Crime is down and impressively low in Qualicum Beach, according to a regular council update from Staff. Sgt. Brian Hunter of the Oceanside RCMP. He gave an example based on the crime rate calculation used for number of crimes reported per 1,000 people, citing Parksville as being good at 84, while Qualicum Beach has just 38.
In 2014 there were 15 assaults, down from 22 in 2013. Business break and enters were at three from seven in 2013, while there were at 25 in 2014. There were no impaired driving charges laid in 2014 — there was only one in 2013.
On the negative side, theft of motor vehicles doubled to 12 which Hunter blamed on "a few criminal groups from neighbouring communities," and mischief was up from 44 to 76.
He said the detachment's priorities, set in consultation with the community, are traffic and road safety, and issues around youth engagement in the community.
"The other priority which is near and dear to my heart is crime reduction," he said, explaining they have a special unit which addresses property and drug crimes.
• Council requested staff to investigate the condition of the remaining dogwood trees in Community Park after one fell on a motorized scooter driven by a senior resident, damaging the vehicle but not causing serious injury. Staff said it was already looking into it, but it was good to have the formal request on record.
• Concerned resident Kevin Monahan made a presentation to council on the importance of, and some possible ideas for, "meaningful community consultation," around things like developments and official community plan amendments. He talked about the peril of ignoring community wishes and the importance of defining meaningful consultation.