“Energetic, forward-looking people able to carry a project through to completion”, and/or members of local emergency response groups, local governments, and other groups are invited to volunteer for a community consultation group for the Gabriola RCMP.

In a Sept. 19 press release Gabriola RCMP Constable Ed De Jong said the group will provide an avenue through which “issues impacting the citizens of Gabriola   Island (may) be brought to the attention of the attention of the RCMP”. He said through the process the Gabriola RCMP detachment would gain a better understanding of the issues that concern Gabriolans, and “target areas of greatest concern”. He said the group will also give the detachment the opportunity to outline the “roles and responsibilities of the police and the limitations that we face”.

“Through this consultation”, De Jong said, “the group can address non-policing matters as well, and form action plans to bring in the correct partners (e.g. BC highways, Islands Trust, the Regional District of Nanaimo) to address those concerns”. He said the goal is for the group to meet quarterly and “have representation from a number of groups on the island” including: the fire department; BC Ferries; BC Ambulance Service; Islands Trust; the Parent Advisory Committee; Gabriola Elementary School; and the highways ministry.

Applicants may contact the Gabriola RCMP at 250-247-8333.