Kamloops Voter Asks:
What do you see as the single most important issue facing Kamloops right now?
What are your ideas for managing or overcoming this issue?
I see a few issues facing Kamloops at this time but for the purpose of this question, I am going to focus on what I am doing now.
Kamloops like many other cities across BC is in the midst of a homelessness and addiction crisis and that crisis has caused an unimaginable amount of recklessly discarded needles in our parks, playgrounds, and beaches etc. I decided to put to the test a theory I had as a long time community volunteer and healthcare worker wherein I would incentivize used sharps in the same way we do pop cans. The results were immediate with businesses, law enforcement, and outreach agencies reporting an immediate shift in behavior. My partner Dennis and I have collected over 10,000 used sharps beginning June 20th and the data we have collected is being shared with city officials from several communities. I have never been someone who can sit and do nothing and just as I have been a tireless advocate for the industry sector, I am also a strong advocate for persons at risk and community safety. I believe we can do more and we can do it better together.