Williams Lake City Council in British Columbia voted against declaring a state of local emergency to address street disorder and crime, after the provincial government committed to immediately deploying extra police from the Cariboo-Chilcotin crime reduction unit to help with growing concerns.
B.C. sends extra police to Williams Lake in response to council's state of emergency proposal
CBC Thompson-Nicola-CaribooBritish ColumbiaNelsonWilliams LakeScott NelsonSurinderpal RathorCrimeTheftRobberyHealth
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Williams Lake City Council in British Columbia voted against declaring a state of local emergency to address street disorder and crime, after the provincial government committed to immediately deploying extra police from the Cariboo-Chilcotin crime reduction unit to help with growing concerns.
- 1 June 3: Williams Lake City Council held a special meeting and voted against the state of emergency.
- 2 June 3: Mayor Surinderpal Rathor announced provincial commitment for police deployment.
- 3 As soon as Wednesday (June 5th): Cariboo-Chilcotin crime reduction unit expected to arrive.
- Increased police presence in Williams Lake
- No declaration of a state of local emergency
- Continued calls for broad, co-ordinated systemic reforms for mental health, addiction, and housing
- Avoidance of potential discrimination concerns associated with a state of emergency
What: Williams Lake City Council voted 6-1 against declaring a state of local emergency to respond to street disorder and crime (including break-ins, public drug use, theft, and vandalism) from repeat offenders.
When: June 3 (special council meeting); police unit could arrive as soon as Wednesday (June 5th).
Where: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada (320 kilometres northeast of Vancouver).
Why: Growing concerns over street disorder and crime, but local emergency service agencies and the provincial government did not see a benefit in a state of emergency, preferring systemic reforms and immediate police deployment instead.
How: The provincial government committed to immediately deploying the Cariboo-Chilcotin crime reduction unit, leading Mayor Surinderpal Rathor to recommend against the declaration, which council then voted down.