Campbell River commercial property owners say they’re fed up with the “notable increase in vagrant issues” happening outside one of their buildings.
With this in mind, Dave and Lori Ritchie are now calling on the City to put more resources in place to help solve “this awful situation.”
“Not just housing … but towards discipline and deterrent,” they wrote to council in a May 19th letter.
The couple owns two commercial properties in town – one is the Dogwood Plaza, which houses 7-11 and other popular stores.
The Ritchie’s say they’ve had to hire a daily patrol from Blanchard Security to keep watch of the busy plaza, “as advised by the RCMP.”
“Blanchard reports constantly increasing incidents of vagrants hanging out, and were usually removed peacefully by the security officer.”
But in the past two weeks, the couple says it has escalated to “several aggressive interactions and physical assaults.”
They say one of their tenants was recently punched after asking someone to leave, before being threatened with a dirty needle.
In the letter to council, the Ritchie’s believe these negative interactions have surged since the supportive housing facility down the road – Q’waxsem Place – opened its doors, “and it is increasing almost daily,” they say.
Construction on the 50-unit supportive housing development wrapped up earlier this year, and the facility now provides homes with 24/7 support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“Our tenants have reported a decline in revenue, many patrons commented on their fear of the people hanging around, and one Blanchard employee admitted they won’t allow their children to go near 7-11 for their treats. This is in the daytime.”
Following the jump in problem loiterers, the Ritchie’s have since felt the need to increase security to four-hour shifts stationed onsite, “so that employees can safely open their stores.”
“We have owned this property for 36 years, and have never experienced anything like this. It is very disheartening and costly,” they add. “We love Campbell River, and hate to see it getting overrun with this vagrant population.”
