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Summerland Citizens On Patrol considers its future

Community organization has been operating since 1997
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After more than 20 years of monitoring the community, Summerland’s Citizens On Patrol program is considering whether to continue.

A letter from the organization, sent to municipal council, states that the group is considering its future.

“Our volunteer organization is at a crossroads and is questioning its relevance as an asset in this community,” the letter states.

Since it was formed in 1997, the Citizens On Patrol program has provided year-round weekend and evening patrols of the community.

Members also conduct speed watch surveillance twice a week from October to April, and provides traffic control during community events such as the Summerland Action Festival parade.

However, diminishing numbers and an aging membership have some in the organization considering the future of the program.

In November, members provided letters outlining their years of participation and contributions to the program. And in April, the RCMP indicated that evening patrols are of no value to them or to the municipality.

The organization is now considering how to proceed. The next Citizens On Patrol meeting will be on June 26.



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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