Crime prevention needed on Commercial Street

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Commercial Street in Van­couver is fast becoming a haven of violence after two reported crimes occurred in less than a month this October. In a span of two weeks, residents living within the vi­cinity were shocked with hor­rific events, which up to this time have not been resolved by police. It can be recalled that on the night of October 10 at about 11:45 pm in the corner of East 5th and Commercial, a man , believed to be a Fili­pino Canadian was set on fire by three male Caucasians. Last October 24, a stab­bing spree occurred between Broadway and Commercial that stunned many onlookers at the site. Five innocent by­standers were sent to hospi­tal after an unidentified man stabbed all the victims at the back.
Commercial is a very busy area. It’s a hub for commut­ers – mostly students and working people – who use it to go either the Millennium or Expo SkyTrain systems.

It is also well known for its family-owned shops, special­ty stores, and cafes. A week­end coffee here is one of the pleasures of living in the city. Entire families with kids in tow are known to have their Sunday brunches in one of the many establishments in this area.
It is likewise a favourite hangout among culturally-in­clined Vancouverites, attract­ing writers, poets, painters, and many other artists.
Commercial also has a lively night life, with watering holes coming to life with var­ied offerings.
When the 2010 Games come, the area’s ice rink at the Britannia Community Service Center will be an Olympic site and will host teams practicing for the hockey competitions.
Residents who have lived there for so many years proudly describe Commer­cial as “a vibrant place”. Let’s keep it that way.