POUCE COUPE -- The Mayor of Pouce Coupe is voicing her support for more resources to deal with increased crime in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.
In letters dated February 21st and March 6th, Danielle Veach wrote to Deputy Premier Mike Farnsworth on behalf of the village to voice community concerns over increased gun violence, the flow of drugs and illegal firearms, and the open missing person cases of Cole Hosack, Darylyn Supernant, and Renee Didier.
“The families that are fearing for their missing loved ones are supported throughout the area, and that fear and loss is felt locally within our community as well,” said Veach to CJDC TV.
The letter also notes that Pouce Coupe residents would like to have public transportation into and out of Dawson Creek, but fear the link would bring more violence to their doorsteps.
“Many Residents are sharing the frustration that everyone else feels in the Peace Region. We have a severe drug crisis that is affecting and stealing the lives of our young people from our communities,” said Veach.
It also notes that the village of Pouce Coupe is willing to work with Farnsworth on solutions to make communities safer.
Mayor Veach says the increase of crime in the region is indicative of a system that is both broken and not working, with statistics pointing to the fact that it is often the same offenders congesting the court system and RCMP resources.
“Systems such as the ‘Catch and Release Program’ are allowing these individuals to continue to victimize society, and hold our communities hostage,” said Veach.
She is calling on Farnsworth to listen to the community, who are demanding more from the province.
The letters were presented to council during a regular meeting on March 6th.
“By joining the outcry of our Municipal neighbours we are hoping to bring our voice to the top. Our residents deserve to be heard, and they deserve answers,” said Veach.
