Ottawa provides millions to Okanagan for youth anti-gang strategy

The federal government is providing funding to keep young people in the Okanagan from getting involved with criminal activity.

The B.C. Interior will get $6.9 million over the next four years to provide supports to at-risk youth.

Of that money, Kelowna and Kamloops will each receive $2 million, Vernon will gt $953,000, Penticton just over $1 million and Salmon Arm $828,000.

“This funding from the Building Safer Communities Fund will help support at-risk youth to make healthier choices and better set themselves up for success in life. I look forward to seeing the difference it will make for young people across the B.C. Interior,” Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, told a news conference in Kelowna.

Kelowna mayor Tom Dyas says their $2 million is already at work, facilitating a regional partnership program with Central Okanagan Public Schools.

“The program seeks to interrupt the pathways that can lead high-risk, vulnerable youth toward gun and gang involvement. It will make a big difference in the lives of our community’s youth,” Dyas said.

Vernon mayor Victor Cumming said the investment will help local service providers offer thoughtful and effective programming and initiatives to support youth at risk.

“Fostering a safe and welcoming environment is one of Council’s top priorities, and finding ways to positively and proactively engage our community is one way we can work together to prevent crime before it happens,” Cumming said.

The amount of support for a community is based on two major elements: crime severity (homicide by firearm, incidents of firearms offences, organized crime/street gang-involved crime) and population density.