Crime in Brandon

Earlier today I was in Brandon. I toured the Rosser ward with Deveryn Ross and he pointed out some of the real concerns in this ward. It is an area with a serious and rising crime rate. One result has been that there is much more commerical space for rent than one would expect in downtown Brandon. Safety is a prime concern of people and people appear to be avoiding shopping in this part of Brandon, in part because of the safety issue. Deveryn has been looking into why there should be the problem with crime that is occurring in this area and is coming forward with some ideas to improve the situation.

One of the concerns is the hotels like the Beaubier Hotel, shown in this photo, where there are numerous people on social assistance living. The problem is that this hotel has a beverage room and quick access to liquor and VLTs. Surely, vulnerable people on social assistance, should be able to live in a safer and more supportive environment, rather than having to live in a situation where they are so close to the temptation and disruption of liquor and gambling. The high number of vulnerable people in this neighbourhood may be attracting criminals and gangs who prey upon their vulnerability. Deveryn we are looking forward to your recommendations for change.

I also want to congratulate Curtis Brown, a journalist with the Brandon Sun, who has done an excellent series of articles on this situation.