Businesses in Fort St John were visited by a committee formed by city council for a chat about the impact criminal activities have had on their operations this year.
The council’s response committee on housing and emergency shelter, dubbed CRCHES, “conducted a business walk.” Members of the committee include city councillors Trevor Bolin, Sarah MacDougall, and Gord Klassen. They spoke with staff at these shops about crime in the city and its impact on their operations.
“It’s revenue they’re missing out on. If somebody walks out with merchandise, they’re out that money for it,” explained Tiffany Hetenyi, the executive director at the Fort St John and District Chamber of Commerce.
“Many of the same participants from last year reported noticeable improvements,” the release from CRCHES reads. Hetenyi agreed – she said, compared to 2024, the chamber has received less complaints from businesses.
Last year, the RCMP saw an uptick in shoplifting cases. Its year-end summary for city council said there were 324 cases of shoplifting, compared to 198 in 2023. This summer Mounties identified shoplifting as a commonly committed crime in Fort St John, but cases were said to have decreased in July.
Some businesses adapted to the spike in shoplifting, mischief, and similar crimes. Scotiabank, Walmart, and other stores implemented additional security measures, the city and chamber reported.
“Walmart commented, ‘It’s a night and day difference between last year and this year.’ No Frills (said they continue) to see improvement,” according to the committee’s update.
“To prevent (criminal activity), they have to put in money. Whether it’s security staffing or other ways,” explained Hetenyi. She said the additional costs may force businesses to let go of staff or reel in their services.
The CRCHES group “was created to better understand and respond to the impacts of homelessness on both unhoused individuals and the wider community,” the city explained. B.C. Housing’s most recent report is from 2023 – one year before the committee was formed. According to its data, homelessness is on the rise in Fort St John, with 26 additional people without consistent housing reported compared to 2020.
