SUBMITTED BY JENNIFER JONES-BUTSKI, NOTL.
OPINION

Dear editor:

I want to address an article that I read in the St. Catharines Standard.

It was about a NOTL woman named Courtney Jackson and her family who were removed from a beach in Fort Erie because they set up a tent to provide shade for her son.

I understand that it’s a different town, and as such, bylaws may be handled differently. However, the Niagara Regional Police manage the entire region.

Why is it that here in NOTL numerous laws have been broken and brushed under the rug, yet a simple rule set for Crystal Beach requires immediate action?

There are people texting and driving while following carriages being let off with warnings. There are people trespassing on private property being let off with warnings.

This family was removed within 40 minutes of erecting a tent, yet there are young women being followed, feeling unsafe and looking to make police reports who are left waiting for hours on end.

This just doesn’t seem right to me.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but are the police not here to serve (the public) and protect (citizens)? Should that not go for everyone, in all cases?

“Unity Loyalty Responsibility” is the Niagara Regional Police motto. If they’re not helping us to feel safe, who will?

Jennifer Jones-Butski

NOTL