The City of Terrace will hold a virtual “Community Dialogue on the Downtown” on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, from 6:00–9:00 pm, to allow members of the public to share their views and suggestions on social issues in our downtown, including homelessness, mental health and addictions, crime, and safety. This is the result of Councillor Lynne Christiansen’s June 14 motion to direct staff to organize a virtual event to discuss the downtown crisis of safety and livability. The event will include opening remarks from Mayor Carol Leclerc, followed by comments from the public. Mayor Leclerc will moderate the event.
“We are seeing increasing challenges in the downtown core that are affecting everyone—individuals, businesses, community organizations, and visitors. Everyone has their own views on these issues, and we want to hear them. Staff are connecting with local organizations to help facilitate speaking opportunities for vulnerable populations to ensure they are also able to take part should they choose to do so. We are also extending an invitation to the Premier, our local MLA and MP, and several provincial ministers. We need everyone’s voices at the table to come up with constructive solutions to these challenges,” said Leclerc. “That said, we know these challenges can’t be solved in one sitting—this is another step in an ongoing process, and we’ll be sharing our intended next steps at the event.”
The event will be held virtually and broadcasted on the City’s website and Facebook page. Those who wish to speak can join the through Microsoft Teams either online or by phone; a link and phone access code will be available on the City’s Participate page. Those members of the public who already know they wish to speak may join the speakers list in advance by emailing klautens@terrace.ca or calling 250-638-4712. However, there is no requirement to sign up in advance; speakers may also use the “Raise Hand” feature during the Teams call to request to speak. To allow Council to hear from as many people as possible, each speaker will have five minutes to speak, though people may join the speakers list more than once if desired. Those who wish to provide written feedback will have a chance to do so following the event through the new public engagement tool City staff are setting up; more information will be provided at the July 14 event.