Downtown Prince George supports proposed expansion of the Car 60 program

Downtown Prince George has written a letter in support of the proposed expansion of the Car 60 program to be discussed at Monday night’s (July 27) council meeting.

Car 60 is a mobile crisis-response unit that answers to calls involving emotional and mental health issues, consisting of a uniform RCMP member and clinical nurse, specializing in mental health, and working together to offer on-site emotional and mental health assessments, crisis intervention and referrals to appropriate services.

It’s a partnership program between the Northern Health Authority and the Prince George RCMP detachment.

Coun. Kyle Sampson’s motion, which he gave notice of on July 8, includes three recommendations regarding expanding the Car 60 program.

Eoin Foley, president of Downtown Prince George, has sent a letter to council, ahead of the meeting, voicing support for Coun. Sampson’s motion.

“Unfortunately, the global pandemic changed the economic conditions for many downtown businesses and put a spotlight on community safety and inclusion in our city,” says Foley.

“A situation that was already difficult and complex has now been exacerbated with increasing concerns for the health of our businesses and the health of those struggling with poverty, homelessness, and addictions. Perhaps more than ever, the sense of safety and the need for social inclusion are even more critical to the economic success of our neighbourhoods and our downtown.”

He says the pandemic has shown the sharp economic and social inequalities in our city and our downtown.

“Homelessness and street involvement – along with substance use, mental illness, and related behaviors – have been far more evident on the street,” says Foley.

“Since the beginning of July, an unfortunate murder and a suspicious fire has not provided the sense of confidence that our business owners and consumers need to feel welcome in our downtown. Business owners are not outreach workers and they are not police officers.”

Sampson has said his goal, in terms of expanding Car 60, is to provide residents with greater coverage of a service that provides help to those who are struggling with mental health, addiction, and other social or health barriers.

He says the Car 60 program has been proven to be successful since its inception in 2015.

“With this letter we would also like to support the exploration of the Prince George RCMP Car 60 Program Expansion,” says Foley.  

“This program has been effective in its limited capacity, to date. It is our belief that increased resources and service provision for this program would provide much-needed support and contribute to a safer environment in our community.”

Foley also calls for the re-engagement of the Select Committee on a Safe, Clean, and Inclusive Committee.

This committee was formed on Dec. 16, 2019 to help tackle social issues in the city and held its first meeting on Jan. 22, 2020.

It was mandated to meet until June 30, 2020, when it was to deliver its final recommendations to city council.

“It is unfortunate that the timing of our new COVID-19 world has impacted the ability to engage in the collaborative work that began with the formation of the Select Committee,” says Foley.  

“We are anxious to join with our community partners and advocates to get back at the table.”

Council will vote on Coun. Sampson’s recommendations at the July 27 council meeting, which takes place at 6 p.m. at City Hall, and will be livestreamed on the city’s website.

You can take a look at the full agenda here.