Cloverdale BIA hosts public forum to address rising safety concerns in town centre, spotlighting homelessness, drug use, and community-police dialogue.
Community Leaders Gather to Tackle Safety Challenges
Cloverdale’s ongoing safety concerns took centre stage on July 23, as local stakeholders convened at the Clova Theatre for a community safety forum hosted by the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association (BIA). The forum aimed to foster discussion between business owners, law enforcement, city officials, and support workers on pressing public safety issues affecting the town centre.
Diverse Voices Share Insights and Concerns
The event drew participation from a broad range of speakers including Surrey Police Service (SPS) representatives, RCMP officers, mental health professionals, and City of Surrey staff. Among the speakers were SPS Inspector Darin Sheppard, RCMP Sgt. Bob Keay, City Homelessness Services Lead Carmen Hall, and Crime Prevention Coordinator Heather Paradis. Topics ranged from the surge in visible homelessness and drug use to the need for better coordination between civic services and businesses.
Addressing Issues Beyond Policing
Paul Orazietti, Executive Director of the Cloverdale BIA, emphasized that the forum was not designed to solve issues on the spot, but rather to initiate dialogue. “Not everything we talked about were policing issues—a lot of them are social,” he said, referencing challenges like addiction and housing instability. Attendees compared municipal approaches to community safety, noting varying levels of service delivery across the region.
Drug Use and Homelessness Take Focus
A significant concern highlighted during the forum was the increased visibility of hard drug use in public areas. Business owners cited frequent incidents involving individuals passed out near storefronts, raising safety concerns for employees and customers. Speakers pointed to a 66% rise in homelessness in Surrey over the past two to three years, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated intervention.
Rebuilding Community-Police Dialogue
The forum also stressed the importance of strengthening relationships between the business community and law enforcement. One proposed initiative was the revival of “Heads Up,” a non-emergency communication channel between the BIA and police to share useful safety updates with local businesses. “There needs to be more dialogue,” Orazietti noted, highlighting the forum’s goal to reestablish trust and cooperation.
Next Steps and Continued Engagement
The event wrapped with a Q&A session and informal panel discussion, where attendees were encouraged to reach out to the BIA for follow-ups or general safety inquiries. While the forum didn’t yield immediate policy changes, it marked an important step in building collaborative solutions and opening the door to broader community involvement.
For more information about the Cloverdale BIA or its public safety initiatives:
Visit: cloverdalebia.com
Phone: 604-576-3155
Email: cloverdalebia@telus.net
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