@glnews_mirror Walked by Judge Begbie's Tavern yesterday. "People afraid to come by"? It was full. It's always got people there, what is Minhas even talking about?

Also, not trying to reduce the Mila + Page owner's experience in any way whatsoever, but citing "homeless shelters" and "safe injection sites" as the reason why "crime has gone up" and "it is not safe here anymore" is reductionist and dehumanizing. I've been to that store, never bought anything because it is so over-priced, and I am sure there is a market and customers for that, but something tells me that also has something to do with business slowing down: people have less money to spend on pricey clothes and candles.

Columbia Street is super safe (also very walkable, with multiple other businesses that are actually doing well). This feels like a lot of fear-mongering, and Global News could have interviewed more than 2 business owners to have a more nuanced take.