Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce officials say they are taking concerns of local businesses to the provincial government.
Chamber staff said they are hearing plenty of concerns regarding crime, substance abuse and homelessness in the community.
“Many businesses/organizations are feeling unheard, frustrated, and in the dark about the progress being made on this growing issue,” said chamber officials. “When you share your voice with us, you are being heard and you are influencing positive change.”
Chamber officials said they are working on behalf of local businesses for the provincial government to take on several priority topics.
“The Chamber is advocating for the BC Government to:
- Tackle the challenges of the rising costs that businesses face. Many communities have pointed to increased crime and public safety concerns, often connected to illicit drug use, as one of the drivers of increased costs.”
- “Work with local governments and affected businesses in identified high-impact/high-crime areas to ensure those businesses are not unfairly taxed or financially impacted because of increased costs associated with crime and public safety linked to illicit drug use.”
- “[And] Ensure legislative revisions decriminalizing illicit drugs do not sanction public consumption of legally obtained drugs and such consumption of these substances be limited to private homes and overdose prevention sites.”
The Chamber of Commerce has listed resources available to businesses along with a feedback form on its website.
More: Addressing the Costs Businesses Face Due to Crime (Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce)