Chris Clegg
South Peace News
A High Prairie merchant is proposing a trip to Ottawa in efforts to fight crime and at little or no cost to taxpayers.
Barry Sharkawi, owner of Amiro’s Steakhouse, attended council’s March 25 meeting as a public delegation to pitch his idea.
Sharkawi said he and others were alarmed at the break and enter at I&P Mechanic in the town’s east end March 15 which involved a shotgun. He added Citizens on Patrol and the RCMP – which he praised for doing a good job – were “not enough to protect us.”
Such criminal actions were detrimental to business and affected potential future development.
“This is the time we need to be doing something about it,” Sharkawi said.
Sharkawi’s idea: to send Mayor Brian Panasiuk and CAO David Joy to Ottawa after the federal election to meet with the federal justice minister complete with videos and other pertinent information.
“We should have more people to protect us,” Sharkawi said, adding the shotgun used in the recent crime “put the fear inside me.”
The video posted clearly showed an individual breaking the window, going inside the building, grabbing something (believed to be keys to vehicles) and leaving within 30 seconds.
Councillor Judy Stenhouse agreed with Sharkawi’s assertion the incident and other crime may deter people from coming to town.
“The justice system, it has to change,” said Sharkawi.
In regard to the cost of the trip, Sharkawi said he could raise the money from local businesses and, therefore, it would not cost council. Except for honourariums, that is.
“It’s a small amount to spend to protect the businesses,” he added.
Councillor Therese Yacyshyn saw the video and said, “It’s been on the front of my mind. It’s the justice system. That definitely has to change.
“Do we have enough members (RCMP) here? I don’t think we do,” she added.
Panasiuk added crime is a concern of council” and added they did speak to the Crown prosecutor a month or six weeks ago.
“Unfortunately, it’s not just High Prairie,” he said lamenting what is a widespread problem.
Council will further decide on Sharkawi’s proposal at its April 8 meeting.
The I&P incident and other criminal activity was not included on council’s agenda before Sharkawi’s attendance