Against the backdrop of a playground at Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 Parkinson Recreation Centre, the federal government has announced $6.9 million in funding for programs to help keep youth from joining gangs in the B.C. Interior.

Kelowna and Kamloops will receive $2 million, Penticton $1 million, Vernon $953,000, and Salmon Arm $828,000.

The announcement was made by Pam Damoff, parliamentary secretary to the minister of public safety and MP for Oakville North - Burlington.

害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檓 particularly pleased the focus here is going to be on young people, on education and reaching them in the schools,害羞草研究所� said Damoff.

She was joined by Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming for the announcement.

The money is coming from the federal government害羞草研究所檚 Building Safer Communities Fund.

害羞草研究所淚 am pleased to share that we have a youth gang prevention and reduction strategy currently under development that is facilitating a regional partnership program through Central Okanagan Public Schools, the RCMP and the city of Kelowna,害羞草研究所� said Dyas.

The program seeks to interrupt the pathways that can lead high-risk, vulnerable youth toward gun and gang involvement, he added.

READ MORE: City of Kelowna seeks to steer youth away from 害羞草研究所榞ang life害羞草研究所�

The City of Vernon expects to have a similar program in place by the summer.

害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e in the design stage now we害羞草研究所檝e had confirmation of the funding,害羞草研究所� said Mayor Cumming. 害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檝e been working over the last 60 days to finalize our programming.害羞草研究所�

Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield said the announcement is a template on how communities can work together.

害羞草研究所淚nstead of a one-size-fits-all solution, the federal government has provided resources and trusting each community to find answers that work for them. In Penticton, it has brought our agencies together and allowed us to develop some innovative ideas.害羞草研究所�

The Building Safer Communities Fund will make a significant difference in Salmon Arm according to Mayor Alan Harrison.

害羞草研究所淭hirteen community organizations have collaborated to co-create a solution to the local challenges for youth in Salmon Arm and area. This inter-agency, collective effort will target specific risk factors associated with gun and gang involvement and improve youth resilience and inclusivity in Salmon Arm and area.害羞草研究所�

Damoff noted these types of programs are part of an overall approach in reducing gun crime and violence in B.C.

害羞草研究所淚f we make it not cool to be involved with guns and give young people positive role models and positive social experiences, you害羞草研究所檙e getting to the root of the problem by giving those kids the opportunity to avoid being involved in gangs or crime in the first place.害羞草研究所�

READ MORE: Okanagan RCMP make 害羞草研究所榖y far the largest and most significant drug and gun seizure害羞草研究所�

READ MORE: Teams of cops, prosecutors, to target repeat violent offenders in B.C.: Farnworth

gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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