LEADERS WANT SAFER STREETS

Just down the street from Stephen Harper's Calgary home was an
epidemic that's plaguing communities across Canada.

Two marijuana grow houses were busted in the federal Conservative
Party leader's neighbourhood. Eventually, that incident led Mr. Harper
to Peterborough on Wednesday where he sat down with several community
leaders whose groups they represent are directly affected by crime.

The purpose of the meeting was to gauge what can be done to make
Canadian streets safer. This was the 25th round-table meeting that's
been held in communities across Canada.

"It's apparent to me that crime has risen in the public conscience in
a way we haven't seen for some time," Mr. Harper told those sitting
around the table at the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development
Corporation office on Wolfe Street.

Mr. Harper's neighbours got together and now watch the sale and
purchasing of properties closely. With that in mind, Mr. Harper says
he felt a need to find out what common crimes bother Canadian
communities and what can be done.

At Wednesday's meeting representatives from a number of local groups
gave their perspectives on the local crime scene and some solutions.
Approximately 25 groups were represented including the YWCA, John
Howard Society, Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Area politicians and
members of the Peterborough police and Peterborough County OPP also
attended.

Peterborough police Chief Terry McLaren started it off by saying there
is too much red tape to access funds for crime-prevention programs.

Lynn Zimmer, executive director of the YWCA, followed saying energy
shouldn't be put into dealing with crime after it's happened, but
before. She pleaded for huge investments in crime prevention,
especially geared toward youth.

"We have to have a community where kids have a place to be other than
the streets," she adds.

Local activist Roy Brady says crime is also related to poverty and
lack of education.

One of the best ways to fight crime, says Erica Cherney, chair of the
Downtown Business Improvement Association, is to have a vibrant
downtown and to take a zero-tolerance approach to crime in general.

"The more positive action leaves less room for criminal activity," she
says.