Ward 4 residents want drug issue tackled

Mary Jones has been a lifelong resident of Ward 4.

She loves her comfortable old house.

She loves her neighbourhood because she’s close to everything she needs at this point in life, her children, her friends, her church, her corner store and her doctor.

She likes almost all her neighbours. Except one.

That’s the guy in the house across the street she suspects is selling drugs.

Jones — who requested her real name not be used because of fear of retaliation — said at certain times of the month the house in question is like a drive-thru.

“People stop, some even leave the engine running or leave someone in the car, knock on the door, go in and five minutes later they leave and take off, trying to get out of there as quickly as possible as if they don’t want anybody to see them.”

Jones said the quality of life in the area has gone down, people are nervous, afraid their homes and vehicles will be broken into. Some have already been victimized.

Drug abuse and crimes that arise from drug abuse are a problem not just in Ward 4 but in several sections of the city.

Ward 4 incumbent Councillor Mitchell Tweel said he believes police in the city are doing what they can to control the sale of drugs but don’t have the resources to do everything they’d like.

“Operation clean sweep was a great start and there have been a number of drug raids since, but we need more because we’re experiencing a lot of break and enters. We need to dedicate more resources to this. I’d like to add two to four more officers to the street crime unit.”

Tweel believes building stronger neighbourhoods and communities will help stem the flow of drugs.

Ted Kitson, who’s hoping to replace Tweel on council, said the sale of drugs from houses and apartments throughout Ward Four is an issue of great concern.

“The need for drugs has contributed greatly to the street crime and home invasions we are experiencing.”

Kitson said crimes related to drug use aren’t just happening under cover of darkness anymore but in broad daylight.

“People are feeling unsafe on the street and in their homes, particularly the elderly and those who live in close proximity to those selling drugs.”

While touring the ward, Kitson said he’s had people point to houses where drugs are sold and tell him how much better things would be if they were gone.

People would like to see more police on the street.

He said the police can’t be everywhere but they’re doing the best they can. He too would like to see more police on the streets.