Ailsa Craig considers both 'positive' and 'punitive' measures for Craigwood's troubled youth

Residents of the Ailsa Craig area frustrated with escalating chaos in their community are torn between punitive and collaborative solutions.

About 100 people poured into the town's legion on Wednesday for a meeting to tackle issues stemming from Craigwood Youth Services.

The facility, which has been operating for 65 years just south of the town, provides supports for teenagers dealing with issues related to abuse, mental health and family troubles. It houses youth between 12 and 17 who have voluntarily chosen to be there.

Residents have spoken out about youth walking away from the unsecured facility and causing chaos in the community by stealing, vandalizing and getting into other legal trouble.

Fence, guard, uniform

On Wednesday, many spoke in favour of increasing security measures.

Bill Martina was adamant a 12-foot fence with razor wire and a gate guard "would solve everything." He even suggested youth dress in uniforms so they can easily be spotted in the case they leave the facility.

Ed Grant suggested reaching out to other successful facilities and implementing a system that provides "academics, athletics … and good counselling."

Some called for more advisories and transparency from officials. Others pointed to a lack of resources at the facility that they say needs more funding.

Graham Ashbourne, the facility's executive director, attended the meeting along with other board members.

He said officials are "committed to engaging openly and frequently with [the] community."

Ashbourne said youth who leave Craigwood are supervised and followed when possible. He said youth are also "held accountable" and face consequences for their misbehaviour.

Community partnerships

After several people voiced their frustration with the facility, Laura Dunlop-Dibbs stood up to speak. She identified herself as the mother of a former Craigwood client.

She said her son suffered deeply and the family was "in a low spot" when they sought services at Craigwood years ago.

"I can say today that my son has done extremely well. He is a good citizen. He went to high school … But he wouldn't have [without Craigwood] because nobody else would help us," she said in an impassioned plea.

"They're children. They're not criminals. Putting a fence around them is not the way to deal with it," she said.

"Yes, sometimes bad things happen. But there are a lot of good things happening for a lot of families," she concluded.

Soon after, other community members chimed in, suggesting collaborative approaches to solutions.

"We have been broken into several times," admitted Lynn Humfress-Trute. "At first it's anger and then it's dismay, and then it's resignation and then it's ... 'what are we going to do as a community for the children'."

"I would love to see community partnerships with businesses … Let's do something more positive rather than punitive," she said.

Andrea Scarborough agreed. She said she formerly worked at Craigwood and understands that some youth are "lacking essential life skills."

"They just need some direction. They just need a community … Let's partner with Craigwood and teach these kids some actual life skills that are going to take them places in life," she told the crowd.

Next Steps

Town officials asked community members at the meeting to sign up for a new committee aimed at tackling issues related to Craigwood.

Ashbourne said the suggestions will be reviewed by his board and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.