The city of Dawson Creek is one step closer to launching an initiative that could make the community safer.
City council voted on Monday to apply for provincial funding to support the implementation of, and training required for, a situation table.
Situation tables bring together frontline workers from different sectors, including non-profit organizations, First Nations and the RCMP. The goal is to work together to help individuals and families at risk.
In January, city staff were tasked with gathering information on how to ensure clear leadership and focus before moving forward with the project.
A staff report reviewed Monday offered different options to reach that goal, including the creation of a new Community Support Officer position, which would be funded through the city’s budget.
However, council agreed the city cannot afford to create another full-time position.
“I fully support the idea of this community having a situation table,” Councillor Kyle MacDonald said. “But I am hesitant to support the creation of yet another full-time equivalent staff member position in our operating budget at this time.”
Instead, council chose to explore having an external agency take on that leadership role, including on-the-ground community support, business engagement, and crime prevention work.
In 2024, Fort St. John received a grant of 75,000 to fund a situation table in the city.