David Purden, a veteran community safety officer and a former RCMP office brings years of experience as Smithers' new community safety and bylaw enforcement officer and says the new role has it's own unique challenges.

"I've worked in community in the north, BC, Alberta, every community is different and has a different set of challenges," Purden said. "But it always comes back to building relationships and education."

Smithers has been without a bylaw enforcement officer since November when the latest hire left on short notice, after only four months on the job. Purden comes to Smithers at a particularly tense time, especially around the communities concerns with the homeless encampment at Veterans Park.

But bylaw enforcement in a small community such as Smithers is not as easy as it sounds. Especially when you're dealing with a situation as complex as housing, homelessness and addition as well as the everyday responsibilities community and bylaw enforcement officers have that help govern this municipality. 

So far Purden has led a regular clean up of the area around the camp and continues to make headway with the camp residents. The camp will remain at Veterans Park for the foreseeable future, or until a alternative suitable location has been found. But for now Purden is focused on making sure community members feel safe in their own community.

Listen to the full episode on CICK NEWS below.