City council passed a plan that could include more police officers, after hearing many people don't feel safe
Concerns of safety and public confidence in St. Catharines downtown addressed by city council on Monday.
It voted for a Downtown Stabilization, Safety and Reinvestment Plan, that could include an NRP storefront, or area where police are based.
Councillor Bruce Williamson also likes cleaning up graffiti, and helping homeless people. "I'm good with this, and I'd also like to reiterate the police aspect of this... the police budget is going up too, and we need to get our share of constables on foot, doing the work. Security firms are just not the same as having a regular police officer."
The city has been hearing from business owners and residents about downtown problems.
City staff say $500,000 will be taken from reserves, which will also include adding more lighting, and social programs for loitering problems.
Coucillor Greg Miller questioned having more police. "For me, I'm downtown a lot, and if I started seeing security guards around, I'd be wondering what's going on, and feel less safe. I know we just approved closed circuit cameras downtown."
The city has been talking with the NRP.
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