A Penticton school has upped its security following an increase in vandalism and people experiencing homelessness gathering near or on school grounds.
“Over the past few months, we had an increase in vandalism as well as garbage and at times abandoned property left behind on school grounds. Our facilities team has provided additional lighting and security cameras at the school site,” said Todd Manuel, superintendent of schools for SD67.
He didn’t confirm if Carmi Elementary has started to lock its front door as well.
Carmi Elementary is situated between the hospital and a couple blocks above the main homeless shelter Compass Court and Ellis Creek where people experiencing homelessness congregate.
“Certainly, there’s been an increase in the amount of foot traffic from unhoused individuals who feel comfortable around that area,” said Penticton RCMP Const. James Grandy. But there hasn’t been a particular incident of note, he added.
Bylaw services have been getting those living in encampments along the creek and near the Wholesale parking lot to clean up their area but often the camps are built up again.
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