Williams Lake considers a state of emergency as crime, drug use, and public disorder surge, sparking urgent debate and calls for immediate action.
Williams Lake Weighs State of Emergency Amid Rising Crime
Williams Lake, B.C. is at a breaking point. City officials are urgently debating whether to declare a local state of emergency as crime, drug use, and public disorder spiral out of control.
‘Pure Chaos’ on City Streets
Councillor Scott Nelson paints a grim picture: “People on the streets are so out of it, they don’t know their own name.” Reports of public defecation, vandalism, and daily drug overdoses have become the new normal for residents and business owners.
Council Split on Drastic Measures
While many on the Williams Lake council support the emergency declaration, some, like Councillor Joan Flaspohler, urge caution. “Declaring a state of emergency is serious,” she said, warning that these issues are affecting communities across the province, not just Williams Lake.
Provincial Leaders Respond
The crisis has reached the provincial legislature. Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson described “pure and utter chaos” and called out the government for inaction. In response, Minister Terry Yung confirmed that the RCMP and local leaders are meeting to find solutions.
Urgent Calls for Action
With families afraid to visit downtown and businesses suffering nightly vandalism, Williams Lake leaders say immediate intervention is critical. “Action is needed now to protect our residents,” Nelson urged.
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