About 80 residents gathered at the Emergency Services Building May 22 to brainstorm solutions to the Patricia Street “Predicament.”

They talked around the issue for two hours, and at the end of the evening agreed to meet again in a few weeks to discuss implementation.

The brainstorming session was a good chance for residents to voice their opinions, but some were clearly frustrated by what they saw as a lack of progress.

“There were a lot of good ideas,” said Rita Hindle. “But maybe we should stop talking and start doing something.”

Kathleen Waxer, Director of Family and Community Services began by identifying the problem and addressing it from a community perspective.

“The perpetrators are a mix of young people working and short term visitors leaving the bar at early hours,” she said. “Most people are in a risk-taking stage, many are away from home for the first time and they’re generally seeking a legendary season in the rockies.”

She said problems often arise when temporary employees can’t afford to take part in local activities because of low wages and have nowhere to relax after work because they live in crowded staff accommodation. 

After breaking into groups, they brainstormed strategies to prevent bad behaviour and remedies ranging from punishment to incentives to not break the law, rated each and trimmed the lists.

Top preventive suggestions ranged through setting accommodation standards, communications and advertising, recreation and intramural events, local discounts, and mandatory orientation sessions.

Potential remedies included the Community on Patrol program, a stronger RCMP presence, cameras, and liquor board and bylaw enforcements. 

Rita Hindle argued for adequate employee accommodations.

“We need staff, and we have to give them a place to lay their head,” the Info Centre employee said. “They put a man on the moon 38 years ago, I think they have the technology to make staff housing.”

RCMP Const. Roy Kennedy spoke to the group about the Community on Patrol program, which would put civilians on the streets at night with police radios to report problems.

He said he would make volunteer applications available and with enough support the program would be a go.

Coni Bowen, owner of the Jasper Liquor Store and Wine Cellar, wanted to know why the program, which faced liability issues in the past, had been reconsidered.

“I’m against it,” Bowen said. “Why all of a sudden has it come back on the table?”

Kennedy said times have changed, and when Community on Patrol was considered in the past it may not have been the right time for it.

“If there were ways we could engage the community we wouldn’t be doing this,” he said. “It’s been met with positive success rates in other towns.”

Mayor Richard Ireland said the town has a shared goal, despite the fact it’s having a difficult time reaching it.

“If it was a question of political will it would be resolved,” he said. “We haven’t found solutions, maybe because we haven’t really identified the cause.”

He said another meeting will be scheduled to develop an action plan.