The Mayor of St. John’s says everyone is seeing growing public safety concerns in the community, but what they’re not seeing is the collaboration needed among all three levels of government in taking a compassionate yet serious approach to addressing the problem.

Open intravenous drug use, aggressive behaviour and vagrancy in public spaces – once rare – has become commonplace.

And that’s what’s prompted Danny Breen to reach out to the provincial and federal governments looking for help in addressing the complex problem and restoring a sense of public safety.

“I do believe that we need to have a greater police presence, not only in the downtown, but we need it on our trail system. There are people now who are concerned about walking our trails.”

Breen also questions the supports available for people who need them the most. “So they go and get service in the morning, whether it’s a meal or an appointment, but what are they doing for the rest of the day? What kind of programs are available for the rest of the day?”