Key social issues continue to be on the radar.
The Partners In Action group has established a new team to look at drug activity in Vernon.
“There is a reported increase of heroin use,” said Annette Sharkey, Partners In Planning co-ordinator.
Part of the process will involve the North Okanagan Family and Youth Services Society, which has a needle exchange program.
“We want to take a look at the system and want to see where we can improve things,” said Sharkey.
“Our goal is to keep people safe and reduce communicable disease while at the same time keeping needles out of our parks and public places.”
Partners In Planning will also proceed with a census of homeless camps Monday to determine how many people are living on the street.
Further review of the homelessness strategy is also occurring.
“It’s a very active and vibrant strategy but we need to look at the next five years and the priorities,” said Sharkey.
One issue where there has been a setback is with the hoarding action response team, which has been placed on hold.
“It was too overwhelming without any additional resources at the table,” said Sharkey, adding that the team is researching funding sources for possible initiatives to assist individuals who are considered hoarders.
On another matter, Partners In Planning has developed the concept of a community food centre, which would market food programs to the community for a fee.
“We don’t want to rely on government grants,” said Sharkey.
“We want to bring all of the stakeholders together so we can see what kind of model to move ahead with.”
