From City of Moncton Facebook page.
Some Moncton city councillors have concerns about the growing number of petty crimes in the downtown area.
Codiac RCMP Superintendent Tom Critchlow has told city council the force receives many calls to 75 Albert Street around the homeless shelter.
Councillor Bryan Butler doesn’t think the shelter is working and he thinks it’s becoming more of a problem.
Butler believes the homeless issue and addictions are intertwined and said it may be time for city officials to sit down with the Department of Social Development.
“We keep talking about homelessness. This is not homelessness, this is addictions that’s going on. We keep throwing money and throwing money and we still haven’t figured it out. These people are homeless because of the addiction,” Butler noted.
If the petty crimes are related to addictions, Councillor Charles Leger felt there should be consequences but more importantly help is needed.
Leger said he understands the court system is under pressure and suggested a type of restorative justice program may be needed.
Councillor Paulette Theriault wants a dashboard developed so that all non-profit groups are working together to solve the problems and not working in silos.
