Mayor Dan Kutcher says an October town hall meeting was the first chance the city had to hear from residents on how Summerside can feel safer. Photo by Kristin Gardiner /Journal PioneerArticle contentSUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The city is looking to see what it can do to help Summerside feel safer for its residents.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThat’s why, on Oct. 15, people gathered at Credit Union Place to share what issues they are experiencing and give input on possible solutions.Article contentArticle contentCoun. Carrie Adams co-chairs the city’s safer neighbourhoods committee, which was formed to consider these issues.Article contentArticle contentAs a parent, Adams wants the city to be a place where her kids want to come back to live someday. She said current residents want to help make the city a better place, and she wanted to do her part to involve residents from all walks of life.Article content“I’m really happy with everybody that put their name forward (for the committee),” said Adams. “They’re varied in their experiences, and that was really nice to see that they all wanted to give back. It’s amazing, I’m really happy with it.”Article contentThe Oct. 15 meeting was the committee’s first public consultation.Article content“It was great,” said Adams. “We had amazing support, ideas, everybody was very forthcoming with what their concerns are and what they want to do to help. That was really reassuring.”Article content Summerside Coun. Carrie Adams, who co-chairs the safer neighbourhoods committee, attended an Oct. 15 town hall meeting, looking for feedback from residents on issues in the city and what can be done to improve them. Photo by Kristin Gardiner /Journal PioneerArticle contentThe meeting opened with a presentation from Chris Giacomantonio, a criminologist at Dalhousie University, on a crime needs assessment in the city, including recommendations.Article contentArticle contentSuch findings included that non-crime police work — such as mental health and homelessness issues — has increased since 2013. The report recommended that police not be the main response to these issues. It also recommended maintaining strong partnerships on multi-jurisdictional issues and enhancing the structure of the police services.Article content Chris Giacoantonio, criminologist at Dalhousie University, presents a Summerside crime prevention needs assessment during the city’s Oct. 15 town hall. Photo by Kristin Gardiner /Journal PioneerArticle contentAfter the report, those in attendance gathered to discuss three topics they have as residents: safety concerns, how they, the city and organizations can work together to find solutions and what changes could make the city feel safer.Article contentCommon themes brought up included homelessness, housing, mental health and addictions, drug use and theft.Article contentCommittee member Tracey Wadman has lived in Summerside all her life. It’s where she raised her children and where her grandson lives. As such, she cares deeply about the safety of the city.
Summerside hosts town hall on how to make the city feel safer
