A report published today outlines 27 action items to reduce homelessness and improve security in Downtown Moncton.
The Joint Action Plan was released by the Task Force on Homelessness and Downtown Security, the Greater Moncton Homelessness Steering Committee (GMHSC) and the Codiac Regional RCMP.
Through a community forum held in September, the plan was developed to incorporate ideas put forward by people from all walks of life.
“Homelessness and downtown security are the most pressing issues facing our community today,” Task Force Chair John Wishart said in a news release.
“Mental health and addiction issues, lack of affordable housing, crime, and downtown vagrancy and panhandling can only be solved through a collective effort.”
Homelessness and public safety arose as arguably the most important topics for Monctonians during the recent municipal elections and left citizens looking for permanent solutions.
The 16-page document carries the signatures of several elected officials and community leaders.
In an interview with 91.9 The Bend News, Wishart said the action items are grouped into three sections: governance, law enforcement and community and social services.
Recommendations include a pilot project to create a treatment program for crystal methamphetamine, an Action Plan Managing Director to drive integration and the development of a Mental Health Court in Moncton.
The latter already exists in Saint John, according to Wishart, and consists of a judge who sits one day a week to handle cases that are considered applicable.
“Somebody who is homeless commits a petty crime, ends up in jail for a night, goes to court, is sentenced for time served, is released back into the streets, and the cycle just continues,” said Wishart, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton.
When asked about accountability to ensure the recommendations are achieved, Wishart said they plan to report to the community in two-month intervals.
In addition, a scorecard featuring the 27 actions will be created on the chamber’s website to keep the public updated.