A push for a Community Court in Kamloops has been renewed by the City Council in a bid to address safety and addiction issues in the city.

Councillor Katie Neustaeter says they are seeing positive movement forward on the establishment of a community court, following a recent update from city staff, but notes it is also the work of the council to continue advocating for it.

Pointing to the high number of individuals on the streets and increasing overdose numbers, Neustaeter says an integrated mental health court is vital in Kamloops.

“We are concerned for all residents right now. The issues of safety, security, disorder, and related problems present on our streets are only increasing, and we know that. We have to create different avenues forward while functioning within the constraints of the provincial and federal governments.”

Neustaeter says the community court seems to be a “complicated process that is moving forward,” noting she is feeling positive about where they are in the process.

“I have no idea what timelines look like. There are a lot of processes that happen in the background in spaces that are certainly out of city council’s control. But what we can do is make sure every partner that is involved is continuing to move forward and that we show the will of the council is behind us and that we do want it and need it in our community.”

Neustaeter says she will continue to advocate and seek updates from city staff on the progress of the community court.

“I feel like raising it prompted people to move forward to find out what gaps exist, and I am hopeful that it is where it needs to be for a decision to be made, and the city is certainly doing everything possible to make sure there are no loose ends on our end.”

Back in January 2022, B.C.’s Attorney General said the province is reviewing the proposal that aim’s to establish a community court in the City of Kamloops, following an application from Kamloops which was received in October 2020.