The NeverEnding Story
Kids! Turn to page A19 and help continue the tale kamloopsthisweek.com kamloopsthisweek kamthisweek
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | Volume 33 No. 33
GRAD2020 PROJECT
INSURANCE WOES TODAY’S WEATHER
Minor sports not covered for pandemic issues
30% chance of showers High 24 C Low 9 C
COVID cancelled the ceremonies, but not the photo shoots
SPORTS/A31
NEWS/A12
AT THEIR WIT’S END ON WEST VICTORIA STREET JESSICA WALLACE STAFF REPORTER jessica@kamloopsthisweek.com
S
ome West Victoria Street business owners are fed up with nuisance behaviour and crime. Some fear for their safety, while others are taking measures into their own hands. One went to hospital, due to stress, while another has tried to find a new location. Incidents reported to this newspaper are numerous and include theft, vandalism, graffiti, arson, improperly discarded needles and syringes and drug paraphernalia, garbage, prostitution, defecation, public nudity and more. KTW met with Coun. Bill Sarai and a group of business owners in early March, before the pandemic hit and reconnected last week to learn the problems persist. Here are some of their stories and, on page A21, an update to the city’s response:
West Victoria Street business owners discuss problems in the area during interviews with KTW. From left: Reid Hamer-Jackson and Cassie Hayes of Tru Market, Andre Giasson of Andre’s Tire World, Nina Johal and Mindy Sandhu of Stereo Warehouse and Sisters Sleep Gallery and Audra Domich of Audra’s Image and Wellness Day Spa.
Reid Hamer-Jackson, owner of Tru Market at 260 West Victoria St., hasn’t been sleeping and his wife is worried. Property crime keeps him up at night. Hamer-Jackson said he has spent “thousands and thousands” of dollars as a result of damage to and theft from his property. “The other night, I had 120 clips — 30-second clips — from 12:30 at night to 4:30 in the morning,” Hamer-Jackson said. “What happens is, it’s a motion thing. My camera goes off and it goes ‘beep, beep.’ It takes a 30-second clip, it goes to my phone. … I can’t sleep. I’m not just going to let them. They’ve already stolen enough money from me.”
DAVE EAGLES/KTW
See PROBLEMS, A20
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