NANAIMO — Unexpected funds from the federal government are intended to make Nanaimo a safer community.
Nanaimo City Council endorsed hiring a consultant and forming a strategic plan to fund various pilot programs in response to the federal government unveiling a Building Safer Communities Fund in March.
Nanaimo’s share is $1.85 million out of a $250 million fund to help municipalities and Indigenous communities address root causes of gang and gun violence over the next four years.
“It can be recreational programs, following through the work we do with the school district and others to support other forms of directing youth and those at risk,” the City’s director of community development Lisa Bhopalisngh told a Monday, July 4 council meeting.
City councillors agreed to a funding schedule for the grant to be managed by the City, starting with hiring a consultant to work with local partners and then submitting a budget to the federal government.
Data collection and consultations with Nanaimo RCMP, Snuneymuxw First Nation and non-profit organizations are expected later this year to develop a three-year strategic plan and pilot programs.
Bhopilsingh said the fund is unique as it’s not destined directly for law enforcement.
“However, we of course have a great partnership with the RCMP and other entities that we know are interested in working with this and looking at this as a preventative and resiliency building opportunity.”
Crimes involving guns, including modified and prohibited firearms, have been an increasing concern in the Nanaimo area recently.
Two men were seriously injured after being shot in recent incidents this year in south Nanaimo: last December at a home on View St. and about a month and a half later at a home on Needham St.
Last month Nanaimo RCMP seized two loaded modified guns and arrested two men in separate busts on the same day.
Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien called the June 14 incidents disturbing.
“Unfortunately our officers are seeing more and more now, where criminals are arming themselves with these modified weapons either for intimidation, or to carry out their criminal activities,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW at the time.
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