2019 Annual Report

Annual Report 2019 49 Increase the health, life and fire safety in buildings that have been used for the purpose of marijuana grow operations. Health & Safety Team (Fire, Bylaw and RCMP) provide enforcement of Regulatory Bylaws, including remediation in buildings that may have unlicenced marijuana grow operations. Implemented enforcement strategies including the issuance of fines, building permits and notices on title. Address homeless issues. Develop a Homelessness Action Plan Extension of shelter spaces – the Portal and Ann Davis totaling 170 spaces. Worked to support the community advisory board for the Salvation Army, and RainCity Housing projects. Expedited the permit process for opening of 46 units with high supports in April and an additional 46 units with high supports (open in November). Implemented the Intensive Case Management Team. Contributed $110,000 to the Housing Hub project to help 30 people acquire and retain affordable rental housing. Applied to the federal government to become a designated community under the National Housing Strategy, Reaching Home. Worked to support the Paramount project and housing projects for youth. Provided ongoing support of Chilliwack Healthier Community resulting in increased coordination of outreach services and development of a Chilliwack Cares guide, a resource card for friends and families of those affected by addiction or mental illness. Work on the poverty reduction action plan continued. An Every Door is the Right Door for Seniors Services simulation exercise was held. Work with CHC continues to see increased collaboration with First Nations service providers. Support RCMP activities in the downtown area. Co-ordinate efforts with the RCMP and the downtown RCMP station. Have worked co-operatively on trouble buildings and hotspots. Addressing homeless issues. Bylaw Enforcement, private security and RCMP conduct proactive daily foot patrols to promote a visible presence in the downtown business areas and parks. Maintain an adequate number of police officers, consistent with provincial averages. Police to population. Funded 6 new members for 2019. Increased funding towards the RCMP Integrated Teams, and maintained a population to member ratio of under 800. Support RCMP initiatives regarding prolific offenders. Crime trends. Chilliwack does have higher caseloads per member and has funded 6 additional members for 2019 and 25 members over the past 5 years. Improve traffic education. Fund and support the Safer City initiative working in cooperation with RCMP and ICBC. Public Safety Specialist created and managed initiatives with Safer City partners focusing on motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in an effort to reduce local crash statistics and broaden road safety knowledge.