Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Julius4Penticton

Julius Bloomfield, who started 2022 as a Penticton city councillor, will be heading into 2023 as the mayor.

“On council you have the ability to concentrate on one or two pet projects, and when you’re mayor you have to get much more involved in all of the different issues,” Bloomfield said.

As a councillor Bloomfield felt more autonomy over stating his opinions, but as mayor he’s consciousness about how his voice represents the entire council.

Although council’s focus for 2022 won’t be decided until the strategic planning process takes place in January, he expects the number one issue will be crime.

And while crime is a major priority of both the current and previous council, Bloomfield said there is a slight change in focus, and that the present council is more in tune with the "extra" needs.

“I’m noticing it not only with council but with business groups as well,” he said. “It’s no longer just about hiring more police – that’s still part of it – but it’s all those support services as well: what else can we do to help the RCMP be more effective in their role? How can we help the fire department?”

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One of the most challenging issues related to crime, is how to help those who are no longer allowed to stay in shelters. Bloomfield said there’s a group of 20 to 30 people who have been banned – often due to complex mental health issues – but they associate with others staying at the shelter so they still linger in the area.

“Wherever the shelter is you’re going to get that congregation.”

Shelters are one of several steps in helping a homeless person back onto their feet, he said. Vulnerable people will often require other forms of supportive housing and possibly outreach workers – however those services are lacking.

“If one section of housing isn’t available it clogs up whole system. You can’t get to next step, you can’t leap frog these steps without going through the process.”

Bloomfield said many local seniors, particularly renters on fixed incomes, found themselves priced out of the housing market before ending up in a shelter. Many of those seniors require other forms of housing such as income-assisted living, but there isn’t enough available in Penticton, so they’re stuck living in shelters.

“There's a group of seniors living in the shelter now that should not be there.”

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Plans for the controversial lake-to-lake bike lane – but not necessarily the construction – are expected to be complete during 2023, he said. During last week’s council meeting, councillor Amelia Boultbee presented a motion to hit pause on the final phase of the project, and it was narrowly defeated 4-3. Bloomfield voted for the project to stay the course.

Finalizing plans for the bike lane are a prerequisite for applying for grants, he said.

“Once you’ve got the planning done you can apply for grants.”

Bloomfield said the biggest challenge for 2023 – short of any major natural disasters – will be ensuring the provincial and federal governments step up to provide more support.

“We’ll be keeping our foot on the gas pedal with them, ensure all the talk turns into action.”

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