The Town of Oliver has formed a new Crime Prevention Committee which includes two members of Osoyoos council. (File photo)
By Vanessa Broadbent
Osoyoos Times
Osoyoos is getting a voice on a newly-formed Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee.
Mayor Sue McKortoff and Coun. Jim King are sitting on the committee formed by the Town of Oliver, along with local regional district directors, an OIB representative, an Interior Health representative and three citizens.
The objective of the committee is to focus on issues relating to public safety in Oliver and nearby areas, deputy corporate officer Brianne Hillson told council on Monday.
Issues include police services, bylaw enforcement, fire rescue services, emergency preparedness management, ambulance services and correctional and prison services.
Oliver mayor Martin Johansen extended the invitation to the committee in a letter to McKortoff, presented to council.
“Over the last year, there has been concerns raised respecting crime and community safety within the Oliver/Osoyoos area,” he wrote.
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The committee will facilitate public input on programs and strategies to assist council in enhancing the quality of life in the community, Johansen said.
McKortoff said the communities’ councils have a good working relationship and already meet to discuss issues relevant to both towns.
“We’re trying to continue to work together to at least be aware of the concerns of both communities and how we can work together on lots of things.”
She and King will sit on the committee, which meets quarterly, for a two-year term.
