Kimberley Sees 30% Rise in Calls as New RCMP Commander Set to Arrive!
Discover the latest on Lazy Lake's incidents as Kimberley council addresses rising safety concerns and RCMP updates.
Kimberley Sees 30% Rise in Calls as New RCMP Commander Set to Arrive!
The recent bi-monthly council meeting in Kimberley, held on August 11, was a pivotal moment for local governance and community safety. Councilors including Sue Cairns, Kevin Dunnebacke, Diana Fox, Woody Maguire, Jason McBain, and Mayor Don McCormick gathered to discuss various pressing issues, while Coun. Sandra Roberts attended remotely. The archived meeting can be viewed on the City of Kimberley YouTube channel.
One significant topic on the agenda was the report provided by Cpl. Dean Kletzel, the acting commander of the Kimberley RCMP Detachment, due to S/Sgt. Steve Woodcox’s absence. According to e-Know, calls for service surged by 30% compared to the previous quarter. The breakdown of service calls featured:
- 105 traffic and vehicle incidents
- 102 calls assisting other detachments or the public
- 70 calls related to fraud, firearms, mischief, and property concerns
Such increases in calls indicate rising community safety needs, emphasizing the necessity for effective policing. The quarter also saw 129 police information checks issued, alongside 300 vehicles stopped for roadside checks. Notably, 136 tickets were handed out, reflecting the ongoing effort to maintain order on the roads.
Public Safety Concerns
Recent incidents further highlight the urgency for enhanced safety measures, with multiple fights reported at Lazy Lake on June 28, resulting in serious injuries and one arrest. These occurrences add weight to the calls for reducing road speed limits, which Mr. Leonard Jacques advocated during the meeting, suggesting a decrease to 40 km/h to bolster pedestrian safety. Other communities like Fernie and Sparwood have already embraced similar speed limit adjustments, setting useful precedents.
Coun. Cairns expressed a proactive stance, supporting a 30 km/h limit in residential areas and the downtown core. This approach reflects a broader strategy aimed at community safety, particularly given the increasing accident rates documented across the region. According to RoadSafetyBC, the province has set ambitious goals to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on British Columbia’s roads, with data supporting these initiatives readily available.
Aging Population and Accessibility Needs
Another crucial discussion point during the meeting was the Age-friendly Accessibility Plan presented by Kate Milne from Cardea Health. Engaging with the community has brought eight key areas for accessibility to light, with outdoor spaces and public buildings highlighted as priority concerns. The discussions acknowledged that when environments are designed with older adults in mind, everyone benefits, including younger populations.
Concerns raised during the discussions extended beyond road safety to encompass affordable transportation, housing for seniors, and access to health services. These interconnected issues are vital for fostering a vibrant, accessible community where all members can thrive.
Looking Ahead
The Kimberley community looks forward to welcoming a new detachment commander come September, which is anticipated to invigorate local policing efforts. As stated in Kimbery council’s discussions, the next regular meeting is slated for September 8, where further developments and plans for continued community engagement and safety will be addressed.
In the realm of traffic incidents, it’s worth noting that between 2020 and 2024, the Kimberley region recorded 925 crashes, with 17% resulting in fatalities or serious injuries. Of these, occupants of motor vehicles accounted for a staggering 79% of serious incidents. Exploring statistics from Road Safety Commission, we see that this highlights the critical need for ongoing awareness and legislative change in road safety practices.
The community’s initiatives and the council’s dedication to safety reflect a strong commitment to improving the living conditions in Kimberley. With continued discussions and actions taken, it seems there’s plenty of cause for optimism! Let’s all keep an eye out for upcoming changes, especially as the council prepares for its next meeting.