By Mark Squibb
The City of Mount Pearl made headlines last fall when three residents fell victim to random attacks believed to have been committed by youths, and while a looming provincial election, tariff threats from across the border, and a new Churchill Falls deal have dominated the news cycle these last couple of months and news of the attacks have fallen to one side, council says it remains committed to community safety.
“Our municipal enforcement officers continue to patrol streets, the parks, the trails, and other city areas,” said councillor Isabell Fry during the February 4 public meeting. “Quarterly municipal enforcement statistics will be posted on the City’s website, so residents can go in and look and see exactly what is happening. We are also recruiting community members to join the Community Public Safety Steering Committee.”
Additionally, staff have been meeting bi-weekly with officials from the Department of Justice and Public Safety to complete Mount Pearl's Community Safety and Wellness Plan.
“This is an ongoing initiative for us and it’s top of mind and we’re working towards making a safer and better place,” concluded Fry.
Recreation Director Jason Collins said staff are working with the Province to help fill positions on the steering committee. Councillor Jim Locke added the steering committee will consist of about 10 to 12 people.
“I’m quite impressed with the level of work that’s been ongoing, despite the fact that we had our public meeting just before the Christmas break, and then things usually slow down over the break, but we are still making great strides on this,” said Locke.
The first committee meeting was scheduled to take place on February 17.
