Northwood ward candidates debate safety concerns

Superior Morning14:02Northwood Ward - Safety

When it comes to personal safety in Thunder Bay does it matter whether the perception matches reality. Following the ninth murder in the city we'll have a panel discussion with candidates in the Northwood Ward

For many Thunder Bay residents, the murder of Dennis Franklin Cromarty high school student Daniel Levac has increased worries about community safety.

Election candidates in theward where he went to school say council has a role to play to ensure students feel safe.

Northwood incumbent Mark Bentz said city council has a role to play to ensure students feel safe in the city.

"We have to make sure that they're supported, that they're educated and that they have resources to turn to and if things aren't going well for them. Otherwise, bad things can happen to people when they're vulnerable."

Candidate Shelby Ch'ng said she hears the perception that Thunder Bay is unsafe for homeowners and students.

"Each little area in Northwood has its own dealings with crime and petty theft and whatnot, but it's all based out of that fear. And, how do we manage that?"

Ch'ng said council has to take the lead, get into schools, and get students involved so they feel like they are part of the community.

"I mean, I live on a very busy street. My concerns are intoxicated people on my street. When you get onto the quieter cul-de-sacs, their fear is more the people breaking into, onto their property."

Candidate Jim Mauro said he believes more police on the street would make people feel they have control in their neighbourhood.

"But at the end of the day, the optimum responsibility of a police service is to deter crime, not to react to it."

Candidate Frank Armiento agreed there should be more officers on the street, and that even families like his own are worried.

"At the golf course earlier in the summer, they found a body there and I says, I have a boy that's 14 years old, and I have a wife that's not comfortable sending him to the theatre."

Armiento noted safety concerns are a city-wide issue, but he believes petty crime is especially high in Northwood.