2) Recognizing that crime in our community is connected to mental health, addiction and poverty, do you have a plan to help this population? This really speaks to the question above. ![]() I find it incredibly uncompassionate that we welcome more people into emergency housing while many of our residents are forced to sleep on streets. To be respectful of those who are less fortunate, we must get our systems in order before taking on more people. Lack of leadership from either the province or the federal government to support what, in some ways has become a monumental housing crisis. It is a 24-7 world and working with these people takes that sort of commitment. One of the most important pieces is that this is not a business hours job. ![]() We need to bring these agencies together, and ensure they are taking care of issues that do not require an officer. Lastly, current there are over 230 agencies in London dealing with homelessness, addiction and mental health. Most importantly, we need to recognize that for people already facing issues of homelessness, addiction and mental health that simply sending them to a new city with no perspective of immediate help in an unknown environment is anything but compassionate. This relationship is important and will have a large impact on our neighbourhoods immediately. It is recognized that upwards of 50% of the people living on our streets have been in London since the beginning of this year. Communities are downloading their less-fortunate here, and that is creating this issue. That includes a stop to sending their residents on a one-way ticket to London with the promise of better services. Second, is a larger strategy with communities that make up Southwestern Ontario to deal with the current issue. We need to revisit with the province an opportunity to create a two-tier system, where officers on the street are available for calls while other specialists deal with issues such as social issues and the taking of statements. ![]() Much of their time is being spent dealing with individuals at emergency service wards, addiction affiliated issues, and reports. There are 16 foot patrol officers in the core presently. I would suggest multiple locations, but at least start with a presence on Richmond Row and one on the newly constructed Dundas Place. First, I would like to see London Police Services foot patrol out of the market and on the street. Still, we can make some fundamental changes that will impact these issues. While it would be wonderful to have police on every corner, the reality is that is simply not a practical solution. How would you, as a Ward 13 Councillor, address this issue? It is unfortunate that these issues are not only plaguing Ward 13, but all of the City of London. 1) Woodfield has had a number of car and home break-ins, thefts, and general vandalism throughout our neighbourhood.
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