Dawson Creek receives $50K grant for Safe Community Situation Table

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The City of Dawson Creek has received $50,000 in funding from the province for a Safe Community Situation Table. 

According to an update from the City of Dawson Creek on May 6th, the funding from the province of British Columbia will support the implementation of a Safe Community Situation Table. 

This is an early intervention model which is designed to support people at risk and improve community safety, the update said. 

The province said in a news release dated April 29th that the grant will bring a diverse range of frontline workers to deliver better, quicker access to services. 

The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Nina Krieger, said: “Situation tables support safe communities, ensuring police and front-line responders can access improved services for people in crisis or at risk due to mental health, addiction, brain injuries, or other complex needs.” 

This includes local partners from health, social services, law enforcement and community organizations to identify risks and connect people with the support they need before a situation escalates. 

Dawson Creek is one of approximately 50 communities across the province that will implement this collaborative approach. 

“Keeping our community safe means working together,” said Dawson Creek’s mayor, Darcy Dober

“This funding helps bring local partners to the same table so we can step in earlier and better support people facing tough situations. It’s about connecting people to the help they need and making Dawson Creek a stronger, more caring community.”

The province said the Dawson Creek Safe Community Table will be launched this year. 

Community partners will meet every week to address issues in the community such as mental health, addictions, homelessness, poverty, violent repeat offending and survival crimes, the province said in its press release. 

The province said since 2018, more than $3.5 million has been given in grants to regions and communities for local situation tables, Indigenous intervention circles and other related initiatives. 

There are 56 funded situation tables and intervention circles in B.C., 42 are in operation while 14 are under implementation.