Dear Ponoka:
I wish to address the ongoing problem of homelessness and the related issues of drug and substance addictions in Ponoka. While these are issues we need to continue to deal with, I believe it is the petty crime that has become the main source of frustration in our community. I share your concerns, and I want you to know that we as a town council and as a municipality are doing everything we can on behalf of our community to address these issues.
First, it’s important to point out that the issues at hand are bigger than just the Town of Ponoka. That is why we have been writing several letters of concern from my office to the Ministers of Public Safety and Emergency Services, the minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, as well as the premier. I have even had conversations with both the premier and the minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services about Ponoka’s concerns. Further, I have met with our MLA, and have conducted meetings with her as well as concerned groups and citizens.
At a municipal level I have had ongoing meetings since February with leaders of our neighbouring First Nations, as well as the reeve and mayor of Wetaskiwin and the County of Wetaskiwin. I am also scheduled to meet with other mayors about this issue later this month. All of these leaders and their citizens are equally concerned and frustrated with the current state of homelessness in their communities. Collectively we have been trying to lobby both the provincial and federal governments to step in and lend assistance.
Locally, I have met with the district Crown Prosecutor and have regular meetings with our RCMP, as well as the Alberta Sheriffs. All of our local protective services have been having ongoing collective meetings to coordinate efforts to help alleviate the problems facing our town. They are and will continue to do all they can, and I appreciate their efforts.
From council’s perspective, we are reviewing and looking for ways to tighten up bylaws concerning derelict properties. We are aware that this type of property encourages squatting which can lead to other problems. Both I and council, as well as protective services, will continue to work towards solving our current issues, especially the petty crime that has been going on.
In my ongoing dealings with this situation as mayor over the past several months, I have concluded that a few things need to change. First, while homelessness is not a crime and never should be considered one, the related issues of addictions and petty crime need to be addressed. I would suggest that there needs to be a change in federal and provincial legislation to allow protective services to intervene more effectively to address issues with individuals who are temporarily unable to make decisions that are conducive to both their own safety, and the safety of the community. Secondly, we need more facilities where people who are struggling with these challenges can be placed and professionally cared for. Our streets and green spaces are not those places.
In conclusion, I need to ask all of you for a few things. I need to ask you for your continued patience, and at times, your compassion. I know that we are all weary of the problem. However, we must continue to persevere. We cannot accept that since this is happening in so many other communities that this must be our new normal.
Therefore, I am also asking you to please get in touch with your MLA, your MP, cabinet ministers and even your premier and Prime Minister, or future Prime Minister. Let them know that this ongoing issue is unacceptable. If you don’t know what to say, then copy and paste this letter and simply send it on to the politicians and agencies of your choice.
Stay strong and ever vigilant, and do know that by working together as a community, we will not only help ourselves, but also the people who need it the most.
Yours sincerely,
Kevin Ferguson
