Image: M. Vanden Bosch / PML / The Downtown Chilliwack BIA disseminated an email this week apprising downtown merchants of an uptick in glass breakage and graffiti, but did offer tangible assistance to merchants to mitigate the ongoing issues.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Downtown BIA

Downtown Chilliwack BIA reports increase in glass breakage and graffiti; offers assistance to merchants

Oct 7, 2022 | 9:05 AM

CHILLIWACK — The Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association has been working tirelessly to not only revitalize the downtown core, but keep it a safe, desirable venue for both merchants and customers.

Toward that end, BIA executive director Trevor McDonald disseminated an email among downtown merchants Thursday that highlighted an uptick in glass breakage and graffiti in the downtown area, as a means of keeping merchants in the loop.

“We are also seeing a rash of glass breakage throughout our downtown,” McDonald wrote in the email. “The DCBIA does offer a $500 Window Grant that is awarded to a building once per year while funds are available. Contact me at the office for more details.”

A new graffiti artist has also visited the DCBIA area in an adverse fashion and left the acronym “CMC” on a wall and a garbage bin. McDonald is asking for merchants’ help in tracking down the vandal.

“We have a new ‘artist’ in the downtown,” McDonald wrote. “Please check your store cameras for any possible footage if graffiti occurs in your area. We can’t start an RCMP file without your input. Any video info? Please send to me at the DCBIA office.”

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Merchants trying to contact Griffin Security earlier in the week were met with a busy signal or no ring whatsoever. McDonald chalked this up to a glitch with Telus phones and said it would be fixed as soon as possible. There’s an extra phone number for downtown merchants to contact in case they cannot reach Griffin’s primary dispatch line, which was provided in his email.

To further support business owners and tenants, the DCBIA is working with Griffin to make sure all merchants who require immediate assistance to get the prompt help they need. It will add additional staff and incorporate a “per call” additional vehicle to the area that will provide faster service.

“When you call Griffin with a problem, they will assess the time it will take to get to you and if need be, send the second car to assist,” McDonald wrote. “This ‘per call’ fee will be covered by the DCBIA, so it is no extra charge to you.”

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Downtown Chilliwack BIA reports increase in glass breakage and graffiti; offers assistance to merchants

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