There was a public meeting at Perley School Dec 14, 2017 at 6PM. As the poster shows it was titled “Building a Safe and Secure Grand Forks”.

Essentially the meeting was about the homeless and the problems that both they and the residents of the city face. Within the ranks of the homeless are people affected by mental health issues, substance abuse addictions, and poverty. And a small group of criminals engaged in property crime: trespass and theft.

The topic has fueled much rancorous discussion in both council chambers, the coffee shops of the town and online social networking.

The meeting was facilitated by 3 city councilors: Butler, Ross and Tripp (though most of council was present). A panel of speakers from various agencies involved in this spoke and answered questions. Representatives from Mental Health, the RCMP, Block Watch, and Citizens On Patrol faced a crowd of over 100 residents in a session that lasted 2 hours. People associated with Whispers of Hope and Boundary Emergency Temporary Housing and Shelter were also present in the audience.