By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Mount Pearl councillor Isabelle Fry was encouraged to hear that the provincial government is working on legislative changes to better address community safety and rising concerns about ‘shake houses’ that attract criminal activity.
The update comes in the wake of increased incidents province wide, and just a couple weeks after a shelter-in-place incident June 2 in the Sauve Street neighbourhood of Mount Pearl that saw one man arrested on multiple weapons charges.
Mount Pearl council had reported it met with Justice and Public Safety Minister Helen Conway-Ottenheimer not long ago relaying community concerns and despite those mounting concerns, Fry believes the city remains one of the safer communiities in the region.
"I believe that is important to recognize. We are fortunate to have strong neighbourhoods, engaged residents, and many people who care deeply about their community," she told The Shoreline, adding there is complexity in the issues involved.
"My concern is that issues related to drugs and addiction are becoming a bigger problem than many people realize. Trap houses and drug activity are not unique to Mount Pearl - they exist in communities of all sizes throughout the province. The consequences can be far-reaching, contributing to property crime, violence, and other criminal activity as individuals struggle to feed addictions."
Minister Conway-Ottenheimer stated government has already taken measures to hire more officers and that the department is reviewing the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, adding that the review will examine different enforcement mechanisms.
"t’s encouraging to hear that the Province is reviewing the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, including concerns related to criminal activity and so-called trap houses. While there is still work to be done, I am confident the Minister understands the concerns being raised by residents and municipalities and is committed to moving this work forward," Fry said.
Fry said this is not about assigning blame and is, instead, about recognizing where action is needed and urging those with the authority to act with the urgency the situation demands.
Fry encouraged residents to continue to contact Minister of Justice and Public Safety Helen Conway Ottenheimer at justice@gov.nl.ca, MHA Paul Lane at MHAPaulLane@assembly.nl.ca, and MHA Lucy Stoyles at MHALucyStoyles@assembly.nl.ca.
“Respectful, constructive messages from residents can help reinforce the need for immediate action,” Fry said.
ry also said it is important to recognize the work that has been taking place in Mount Pearl, with creation of a Community Safety and Well-Being Committee that brings together representatives from the RNC, Municipal Enforcement, schools, Council, youth addictions services, social workers, the Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group, the Mount Pearl-Paradise Chamber of Commerce, faith groups, underrepresented groups and other community partners.
"The committee has invested a tremendous amount of time into understanding the needs of our community through surveys, research, engagement sessions, and in-depth analysis," she said.
A release by the RNC said its Criminal Investigation Division executed a search warrant at the Sauve Street residence in question, where two firearms, ammunition, a knife, and a crossbow were seized. The man was held in custody and faces charges of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Carelessly Using a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Breaching Firearms Regulations, and Failure to Comply with a Release Order.
The RNC continues to encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it directly to police by calling 709-729-8000. Crimes in progress should be reported by contacting 911.