COUNCIL UP-DATES

Message From The Mayor

Jack Bowers

Much has happened in the last month that’s worth noting, I’ll try to hit the highlights but I’m sure to miss some things. First, we are all excited to soon receive our “new to us” hydro excavator-flusher truck. Having this capability will greatly improve our crew’s efficiency in doing in-ground utility repairs and provide the town public works crews with the means to start tackling the much-needed curb stop installations that have been delayed for some time. The new handicap accessible bus will arrive in Faro in the next few weeks making travel to other communities for town sponsored activities so much nicer. We’re getting a new rubberized floor covering in the Recreation Center gym too, sometime this summer. We will be building a new animal shelter this summer together with outside holding kennels. Perhaps it could be used by visiting veterinarians for clinics as well. The list goes on.

A significant community issue that is lurking in the background and needs to be talked about is what is perceived to be an increase in illegal drug activities going on within the community. It’s not just Faro either, two weeks ago another 4 young Yukoners died from illegal drug overdoses within a matter of just a few days. The annual total for Yukon drug overdose deaths is staggering. What can be done?

I Nside T His I Ssue

While living in Fort Nelson some years back, the residents there took it upon themselves to do something. Large signs were posted in various locations throughout the community saying, “Drug Dealers not Welcome”. There were even signs posted by residents on their own properties pointing out where the dealers lived next door. It worked. At least for a while.

A few years ago, the Village of Carmacks did much the same thing. I don’t know how successful their efforts were, but at least they did something. My worry is that Faro too could soon experience an unnecessary and tragic loss like so many of our sister communities have. We can begin by asking for public meetings with the RCMP, Ministry of Health and Yukon Department of Justice to determine what we can and cannot do towards developing a plan for addressing this issue. Please share your thoughts with a member of Council or, better yet, come to a council meeting and let’s get the conversation started.