Sean Bujtas is the mayor of Terrace, a northern city surrounded by incredible natural beauty, even as it’s burdened with among the highest homelessness and drug overdose rates in the province.
Bujtas is a relentless advocate for his community. He’s made it his job to regularly petition decision-makers and knows many ministers by name. He recently led the northwest mayoral contingent that helped lock down a monumental many-years-in-the-making, revenue-sharing agreement with the BC government that will divert $250 million resource development dollars over five years to 21 northwest municipalities.
Terrace’s portion of that funding will help fix potholes, pave roads and catch up on infrastructure demands. But the most pressing concerns of Terrace citizens remain unresolved.
Crime, homelessness, mental illness and addictions weigh heavy on the city. People are suffering on the streets without proper healthcare, businesses are buckling under repeated vandalism and break-ins, and residents are suffering “compassion fatigue” and feeling unsafe in what used to be a quaint small-town community.
Terrace needs housing with healthcare supports, and long-term detox, treatment and recovery. As it stands now, there is no medical residential treatment for adults in the whole Northern Health region. Bujtas says his community desperately needs that to change.
Sean was in Victoria meeting with ministers and the premier this week. He joined me for a chat in the legislative press gallery studio.
Have a listen and let us know what you think.
Fran
Podcast producer: Rob Shaw
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