“The DIA has decided to go ahead and start hiring security,” said Barry Klus.
Klus said the board he represents supports such initiatives as North Bay City Councillor Dave Mendicino’s goal to have an outreach worker on the ground as soon as possible but in the meantime, drastic steps are needed downtown.
“The break-ins at Pearls — and there have been others — we think it’s time to take a hold of the situation and bring our own security in for however long we need to do it.”
Faced with increased (from an innocent bystander’s viewpoint) crime, homelessness, and downtown regulars with addictions and/or mental health issues, there have been public calls for action downtown.
“It’s really important for the people downtown, the business owners, the general public to know that the DIA is acting immediately and trying to alleviate at least some of what’s happening,” said Klus, who, besides his role with the Downtown Improvement Area’s board, is an owner of two shops downtown.
The new security initiative is thought to be a good candidate to be funded by the province through the DIA membership. Klus said the patrols will target times and locations derived from analysis of crime statistics focused on the downtown core.
Asked about the need for the beefed-up measures, Klus responded, “It’s worth it to the downtown. That’s what we’re here for, the DIA is here to promote and assist the downtown business owners. This is one thing we feel is certainly warranted and it’s going to be part of our budget.”
The public outcry after the closing jewellery store, Pearls, was broken into for the third time this past weekend has brought more attention to the downtown’s challenges.
People want to know, what took so long?
Klus answered, “True. A lot of things happen like that. That’s why, especially with what’s happened recently, as the DIA we’ve decided we’re going to do something now.”
