We have been alerted that there have been several incidences downtown that left our members feeling unsafe and exposed. Wes Olson of the RCMP responded below.

. . . .

I’m not sure if the downtown business association is familiar with CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design).  There are many things a business/homeowner can do to mitigate vandalism and thefts.  Surveillance cameras can catch the act but unless there is a notifying feature on the camera that can alert the person monitoring the system then it is evidence gathering after the fact.  I personally use Arlo Security cameras at my residence which I can monitor on my cell phone and receive alerts when motion triggers the camera to record.  The cameras can be purchased at Best Buy or Costco when they have them.  They work off a rechargeable battery and wi-fi so they can be mounted anywhere and are of good quality.  They have built-in night vision so darkness is not a problem.

Trimming back hedges, removing big objects and improving lighting around buildings are other suggestions.  Roving security patrols are also helpful.  I believe there are security companies locally in the Cowichan Valley that offer this service.  Police patrols can supplement the security patrols when we have time.  Our ability to complete pro-active patrols is dependant upon response to Priority Calls for service and a member’s workload.

One must also be cautious of unreal expectations of what the court will do with an offender if we are successful in charging somebody.  Unfortunately, property crime is not given the same weight as a person’s crime and generally, the punishment does not fit the crime especially in the eyes of the victim.  Our priority offenders know the legal system well and are not fearful of it.

In my 31 years of policing, I have found that making things difficult on an offender is the best way to prevent criminal activity in specific areas.  Offenders are creatures of habit and it’s like having a good fishing hole.  People will keep going back to the same locations until all the fish are gone and then move onto a new target-rich environment.  Locking doors/windows and having a strong covering like metal roller shades or bars, having a security system (alarm and cameras), having a well-lit area and nothing to hide behind are all things that make it difficult for an offender.  They will move on to easier targets especially if their chances of getting caught are greater in one area over another.

Regards,
Wes Olson

W.W. OLSEN, S/Sgt
Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
Ladysmith Detachment
PO Box 260, 320 6^th Ave
Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A2
Tel: 250-245-2215
Fax: 250-245-6060
Wes.olsen@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

The safe disposal of needles, otherwise known as sharps, can prevent others from accidentally getting hurt.

Sometimes discarded needles are found in public areas in the immediate vicinity of a business. Together, we can all do our part to safely clean up sharps, or inform the proper authorities who can assist you.

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I am writing to you today to share some important changes to the B.C. Recovery Grant Program was originally launched in October. As you may be aware this program provides non-repayable grants to small and medium-sized businesses in B.C. who have lost revenue due to the current COVID pandemic. There is a total of $345 million in funding available and the funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis. As of this week, approximately 30% of the funding has already been distributed.

I want to ensure that businesses in our community are taking advantage of this program and would like to request your assistance in sharing this information with businesses in our community.

Since launching BC’s small- and medium-sized Recovery Grant program in October, we have heard from the small business community that the program could be enhanced to help more businesses. Our government listened to that feedback, and I am happy to tell you that we have made a number of changes to the program that will help more businesses get help more quickly.

Overall, the changes have simplified the application process and streamline criteria. Businesses that have already submitted applications do not have to reapply, and their applications will be reviewed under the revised criteria. Key changes include:

• Lowering the requirement for the amount of time a business had to have been in operation from three years to 18 months.
• Removing the requirement to list a number of remittance accounts such as GST, PST, and WorkSafeBC registration numbers.
• Extended the grants to sole proprietors with fixed costs.
• Expanding the revenue requirements to include businesses that continue to earn 30 percent or less in revenue.
• Streamlining the required recovery plan to a two-page form.
• Increasing the total amount of funding to $345M from $300M, which includes a $100M envelope for the tourism sector and a top-up of up to $15,000 for tourism businesses.

The program is already providing targeted financial support for some of the hardest-hit businesses in BC. The program runs until March 31^st, 2021, or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first. More information, including the online application, can be found online at www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/business-recovery-grant. I am also attaching a fact sheet for your reference.

B.C. entered the pandemic as an economic leader in Canada, and we are committed to supporting small businesses to reopen, adapt, hire, and grow. I thank you for your hard work and dedication in these difficult times and I hope this program will be of benefit to businesses in our community who have suffered due to COVID-19.

Download the fact sheet (PDF)

Sincerely,
Doug Routley MLA Nanaimo-North Cowichan

douglas.routley.mla@leg.bc.ca

www.dougroutley.ca

Nanaimo | Unit 112- 50 Tenth Street (Southgate Plaza)
P. 250.716.5221 | F. 250.716.5222

Ladysmith | #1-16 High Street
P. 250.245.9375 | F. 250.245.8164