A rally inspired by downtown Nanaimo residents and business owners took place outside the Courthouse on Wednesday, Sep. 14. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

safety and security

VIDEO: Concerned Nanaimo residents & business owners demand justice reform, safety improvements

Sep 14, 2022 | 11:59 AM

NANAIMO — Over 150 people descended onto the back lawn of the Nanaimo courthouse demanding action against offenders plaguing the downtown.

The rally on Wednesday, Sep. 14 was supported by a number of business and neighbourhood associations and came in the aftermath of several high profile incidents including the late-night stabbing of Fred Parsons at Maffeo Sutton Park over the Labour Day long weekend and countless store robberies.

Willow Friday, owner of Iron Oxide Art Supplies on Victoria Rd. said the lack of rehabilitation for prolific offenders is contributing to a “very scary” situation in Nanaimo.

“(Offenders) believe, rightly so, they can keep stealing, mugging, lighting fires, being violent and sexually exploitative with no consequences,” Friday said.

Friday said her concerns stretch not only for her own safety, but the safety of her staff and customers as well as the viability of her business.

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She relayed her own experiences of having one particular individual repeatedly steal from her store, with dozens of incidents reported to police but no charges ever coming.

“…because the police on direction from the court have been told not to forward charges. What am I supposed to do? Our judicial system is failing both this person and our community.”

People in attendance voiced their dissatisfaction with the “catch and release” criminal justice system, as well as the action or inaction from elected officials at the provincial and federal levels.

Brian Rice, owner of Maffeo Salon on Wentworth St., told the crowd he had eight break-ins in a one year span resulting in $20,000 worth of cash and inventory losses.

He said he was informed by his insurance agent if he makes another claim, he won’t be insured.

“If I get declined insurance the bank will decline my mortgage and my business will cease to exist. Not only that, I can’t even sell a property that you can’t even get insurance on.”

Rice said his expenses are mounting with insurance premiums at $900 monthly and a security guard employed with an annual cost of $12,000.

“It’s petty theft, but it’s not petty to business owners in the downtown area who have lost their entire life savings, their hopes and dreams,” Rice told the crowd.

Darrel Gyorfi, a retired RCMP officer who moved to Nanaimo in 1994 and spent 34 years on the force, told those gathered there is a disconnect between police and Crown Counsel.

“Police say they have no support from Crown to approve charges, they can’t hold people in custody including repeat offenders, some with dozens of offences.”

He said non-violent crimes and other incidents not involving drugs are not pursued to the extent they could be.

He also added institutions to house criminals are only around half full, “if that”.

“Other provinces are able to hold criminals in custody when it’s in the public interest, why not in B.C.? It’s imperative especially when violent offences and frequent re-offenders are concerned.”

Nanaimo MLA and minister for mental health and addictions Sheila Malcolmson was a repeated topic for speakers, as well as jeers from the crowd, who said she wasn’t doing enough.

Prior to the rally a brief yelling match ensued between a woman across the street and rally attendees.

Shyanne Nyman said while she understands the anger generated from the rally attendees, she believes too much blame regarding downtown Nanaimo area crime is being placed on the unhoused.

“We’re having a lot of civilians attacking the street people. That’s where I’m having an issue when it’s being said these unhoused are such bad people and they’re not.”

Nyman, an overnight security guard in the downtown core, said the level of animosity between the unhoused or those with mental health and addictions issues and the general public is not helpful.

This week members of the Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) called for urgent action from all levels of government “to deal with untenable street issues and crime plaguing communities across the province.”

Earlier this year, the City of Nanaimo rolled out the initial year of a $2.5 million Downtown Nanaimo Safety Action Plan to address social disorder.

A highlight of the plan was the hiring of 12 Community Safety Officers who have been deployed in phases in recent weeks.

Demonstrators brought a wide array of signs, calling for harsher punishments for criminals, especially repeat offenders. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The rally took place prior to a pair of downtown safety summits staged by the Downtown Nanaimo Business Association to take place on Sep. 21 and Sep. 28 at St. Paul’s Church.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes