Cranbrook mayor optimistic following meeting with BC Minister Responsible for Housing

Cranbrook’s mayor is hopeful a recent meeting with a BC government Minister will help with seeking solutions to issues around crime and housing in the community.

Wayne Price spoke with BC Attorney General, and Minister Responsible for Housing Murray Rankin on Thursday.

Price says Rankin understands issues that communities like Cranbrook are facing with regards to homelessness, affordable housing and crime

“He was very well aware of the issues in Cranbrook, and some of the very specific issues we’re having here,” says Price. “Certainly he has his finger on the pulse I think, he appears to be very genuine and he’s very serious at taking action on some of these issues.”

He says it is a priority for city council to be active partners at the table with the Province on these issues.

“The province supporting us and us supporting them,” he says. “What I’ve explained to him is that our hand isn’t out expecting them to come in and fix our problems, so deal with all the issues here. We’re certainly wanting to be a player in that and a partner with the province.”

View more information from the City of Cranbrook below:

Homelessness, affordable housing and crime were the major topics of discussion at a breakfast meeting in Cranbrook at St. Eugene Thursday, November 17, 2022, between Mayor Wayne Price and the Honorable Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head.

MLA Rankin is the new Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, BC Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing.

“Minister Rankin clearly understands the issues municipalities are experiencing around homelessness, affordable housing and crime right across BC, and he is very well aware of the issues we are experiencing in Cranbrook,” says Mayor Price. “Minister Rankin was very clear to me that he is committed to working with the City of Cranbrook, in trying to manage the issues that fall under his Ministry. We will be active partners at the table with the Province on these issues, as it is a priority of our community and of this Council.”

– Article includes photo and statement from City of Cranbrook

– Wayne Price, Mayor of Cranbrook