I had the opportunity to attend the community policing consultative group meeting on Wednesday morning in Gibsons.
It's been a while since I've been at one of their meetings, and I'm glad I was there.
The meeting had a particular focus. The gallery was packed with residents of the Dougall Park area concerned about ongoing problems with youth, late night parties and vandalism.
A few weeks ago, an incident occurred on a Friday night in Gibsons, documented in several editions of Coast Reporter since then. Residents came to a Gibsons council meeting and then a monthly dialogue session late last month to discuss the issues.
Wednesday was another chance to exchange dialogue in a search for answers.
I must say I was impressed with the attitude of the residents.
I expected some to come to the meeting blaming the RCMP for the problems, but that wasn't the case. Those who took the time to speak shared their concerns with the committee and the RCMP, represented by Const. Trish Dobson and S/Sgt. Brad Zalys.
Zalys shared his frustrations as well. It was a frank discussion, and although the residents might not have been fully satisfied, at least both sides were willing to listen.
These problems are just not a Gibsons' issue. They are a Sunshine Coast issue.
And I would like to clarify my remarks by saying that not all youth on the Coast are bad apples. This was another point raised by the residents.
We have many tremendous kids in this community, doing some amazing things. But all you need is a small group to take over, and trouble ensues.
And this is clearly not just a police issue. It is also a community issue.
I would like to ask the parents of these trouble makers what role they are playing in all this.
Why are young kids out at midnight drinking, partying and causing trouble? Some parents in this community need to start taking control of their children. Last time I checked, the RCMP mandate was not to provide a babysitting service.
Art Olson, chair of the consultative group, also mentioned the Block Watch programs, Court Watch and Citizens on Patrol - all volunteer programs that help the police and this community.
Hopefully the residents who turned up on Wednesday will step up and get involved in some of these programs.
Zalys assured residents the RCMP are taking these issues seriously. The detachment is confident they will have three new officers in place by the end of summer. These resources are needed and will hopefully go a long ways to improve the service the police force is providing.
Olson also commended the residents for coming to the meeting and said it was a matter of working together. No one person can solve the problems. I share that sentiment, Art.
This is our community and we all need to work together.
