LETTER: 'Many who pay taxes are afraid to utilize the downtown'

To the editor:

I look at downtown North Bay and wonder if all the work being done is worth the cost to taxpayers.

Downtown North Bay was once a place where people could walk and enjoy shopping at the various stores but not anymore. Many are afraid to walk downtown and shop at local stores because of the problems associated with drugs, thieves, harassment, and prostitution. 

This hurts the community, puts undue stress on the business sector and many who pay taxes are afraid to utilize the downtown. Before putting more money into downtown improvement, find a way to make it safe for people to visit.

I don't know the answer to the problem, only that local services, bylaws and criminal codes are not adequate to help those who want it and will not remove those who threaten the well-being of others. The homeless situation only exasperates the issue yet we continue to accept immigrants into our community without adequate housing for our current population therefore it will only get worse.

Those in a position to enforce the laws and obtain treatment for those who need it must find a new way of doing things as the current system is clearly inadequate. That should be the priority, not improving an area that will be underutilized until it is safe to frequent. Businesses will not improve by doing costly renovations but it will improve once people feel safe going downtown.

Shannon Brown

North Bay