Williams Lake, B.C., is set to receive additional police support as the city council has decided against declaring a state of local emergency. This decision comes after the provincial government pledged to deploy more officers to address rising concerns about street disorder in the community of approximately 23,000 residents, located 320 kilometers northeast of Vancouver.

During a special council meeting on June 3, Mayor Surinderpal Rathor announced that the Ministry of Public Safety had requested the Cariboo-Chilcotin crime reduction unit to be sent to Williams Lake. The unit is expected to arrive as soon as Wednesday to assess the situation and develop operational plans. This move aims to tackle issues such as break-ins, public drug use, theft, and vandalism, which have been attributed to a small number of repeat offenders.

Some councillors had previously shown interest in declaring a state of local emergency, which could have granted the municipality emergency powers like suspending bylaws and restricting public gatherings. However, Rathor advised against this course of action, suggesting that the council should wait at least a month before reconsidering. He stated, "Emergency would not fly right now," emphasizing the need for a more measured approach.

Local emergency service agencies, including the RCMP and B.C. Emergency Health Services, indicated that declaring a state of local emergency would not be beneficial. A staff report highlighted that the challenges facing Williams Lake, such as limited mental health support and addiction services, require comprehensive systemic reforms rather than temporary measures.

Concerns about the proposed state of emergency were also raised by the Xatśūll First Nation, which expressed apprehension regarding the implications for the community. Councillor Scott Nelson, who initially proposed the motion for a state of emergency, described the public health situation as dire, stating, "There are people on our streets that are mentally ill that should not be on the streets of Williams Lake. They're going to hurt somebody."

He cited various incidents, including fires in garbage bins and a break-in at a law firm, as evidence of the escalating issues. Meanwhile, the council is considering other measures, such as a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. and providing escorts for individuals displaying severe mental health issues to local hospitals.

Councillor Angie Delainey opposed the state of emergency declaration but suggested that the city collaborate with regional partners and local First Nations to review public safety programs and funding strategies. She remarked, "I don't think it's the sole responsibility of the municipality to pay these costs that we know have been downloaded to us."

Councillor Michael Moses expressed concern about the lack of consultation with local First Nations and marginalized communities, warning against potential discrimination. He stated, "If we proceed with this against the will of First Nations and other marginalized peoples in our community, then I want you to be wary of this path of discrimination that this council will be choosing and the repercussions of it."

The council ultimately voted 6-1 to take no action on the state of emergency, with Nelson being the sole dissenting voice. The situation in Williams Lake continues to evolve as local leaders seek effective solutions to address the community's pressing issues.