Federal funds to support gun and gang violence prevention in Vernon

VERNON — The City of Vernon will be using an injection of cash to take action against future gun and gang activity.

The city was successful in securing an $850,000 grant through Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund to support the Vernon Gun & Gang Violence Prevention Strategy.

The money will be distributed in three portions during the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 federal fiscal years.

A report to council Monday, June 26, stated, based on the direction provided through the Gun & Gang Violence Prevention Strategy, the fund will focus on three key priorities, all involving youth.

• Creating an outreach and navigator support program for at risk youth
• Creating an Indigenous, peer based, youth mentorship program
• Establishing a youth service waitlist management program

The report stated city staff “is mapping out next steps in conjunction with the steering committee” and will provide a progress undate to council at a future, undetermined date.

Speaking with Vernon Matters following the council meeting Monday, Mayor Victor Cumming said gun and gang violence hasn’t necessarily been a growing concern in Vernon, but taking proactive preventative measures is still reasonable.

“It’s one of those things across the board that if we can work on it early, we know it’s really important,” Cumming stated. “Prevention is where you want to invest in this.”

Cumming added he and council were pleased that Vernon was one of the communities across Canada that was selected for these funds.

A total of $250 million had been set aside to support gun and gang violence prevention in municipalities across Canada through this initiative.