Coquitlam lobbies feds to keep funding program for vulnerable youth

A three-year, $1.6-million program designed to keep at-risk youth from gang violence is in transition after its funding ran out at the end of March.

With an emphasis on prevention through mentorship and after-school activities, the Building Safer Communities program is a vital initiative that also provides good return on investment, said Coun. Brent Asmundson during Monday’s council discussion.

“The $1.6 million that they’re investing here will save them tens of millions of dollars down the road,” he said, noting the money that goes toward incarceration, police and ambulance services.

Beyond the numbers, the outreach program can also keep youth from following a self-destructive path, said Coun. Robert Mazzarolo.

“This intervention can not only save lives but also save the potential of these lives,” he said.

Coquitlam council unanimously voted to send a letter to provincial and federal representatives to renew support for the Building Safer Communities program.

The Building Safer Communities initiative is still running, with School District #43 taking over the funding and delivery of several aspects of the program.

While he praised the program, Coun. Dennis Marsden was highly critical of an interim funding approach, which he summed up with the phrase: “Let’s give you money for a few years and then figure it out.”

Council may need to “bring their voice to UBCM” to lobby the provincial government, Marsden added.

The program is intended to reach kids in Coquitlam: “who are at high risk of engaging in gang violence and connecting them with community resources,” according to a city staff report.

Besides a drop in the number of youth missing a substantial amount of school, the staff report also found a 24 percent decline in in the number of negative police interactions with youth and a 48 percent reduction in incidents involving threats and weapons.

The program has also involved presentations to students from RCMP officers as well as a Youth Wellness Expo led by civilian staff.

Coun. Steve Kim recused himself from the discussion based on his work with another organization.