The owner of a market in Moncton, N.B., is wondering what she did to deserve a recent string of events that has her frustrated and concerned for her children. Vicky Kim Corriveau has owned CanAsian Market on Main Street for two-and-a-half years. Lately, she’s been dealing with acts of vandalism, open drug use and garbage dumped on her property. Last November, copper wire was stolen from an HVAC system outside the store and it cost $2,000 to replace. “I am from Korea and we don’t have this kind of crime in Korea,” said Kim Corriveau, who moved to Moncton 13 years ago. “Korea is big with a lot of people. There are some crimes too, but not like this.” Kim Corriveau said her 11-year-old son was frightened when he witnessed a group of three people under the influence of drugs and bent over “like zombies” in the market’s parking lot earlier this month. She said she politely asked them to leave, but they wouldn’t so she called 911. Firefighters, paramedics and police did respond, but Kim Corriveau said nothing was done. Shortly afterwards, she realized the store had no internet. She could only accept cash or e-transfers from customers because the POS system was down for two full days. The next day, a technician said her line had been cut. Kim Corriveau believes it was an act of retaliation for calling the police on the group that wouldn’t leave her property. After closing the store on July 21, she opened her laptop and started sharing her story on Facebook making a compelling post expressing her anger. “I was overwhelmed and I had to do something,” said Kim Corriveau. After the incident in the parking lot, garbage was dumped next to her bin in the market’s parking lot. Kim Corriveau said she opened the bags in hopes of finding an address but instead discovered condoms and needles. “What did I do wrong?” she wondered. “I don’t think I ever deserved this. I am a hard worker. I’m working 13 hours a day, paying taxes, and this is what I get?” There has been a lot of supportive comments on her post from customers and Moncton’s anti-crime coalition Enough is Enough reposted her message. Coalition member Jo-Anne Phillips, a small business owner who has been a victim of crime herself, said she feels for Kim Corriveau. “She’s telling a story that so many shop owners have, so many business owners in the downtown and surrounding areas,” said Phillips. Phillips doesn’t think crime in Moncton is being addressed to the point where criminals are discouraged to continue their behaviour. “Moncton wants to be a destination spot. We have a beautiful city with wonderful things going on and it’s just not safe,” said Phillips. “It’s not even at night anymore, it’s all hours of the night and day that the crime is happening.” Kim Corriveau says she always looks forward to seeing her customers and serving them the best she can, but the recent incidents have taken her motivation away. “If that’s the scene I have to see the first thing in the morning, I have no energy. No motivation to serve my customers,” she said. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Luc Picard said the Codiac detachment recognizes the concerns and frustrations of residents affected by vandalism, property damage and other crimes. He said business owners can help reduce criminal activity by ensuring properties are well lit, surveillance systems are installed and maintained and police are notified promptly when suspicious or criminal activity is witnessed. “It is important to recognize that not all individuals experiencing homelessness or substance-use challenges are involved in criminal activity,” said Picard in an email. Kim Corriveau said she’s sympathetic toward the homeless and people struggling with addiction. “Everyone has a story, but I have my story too,” she said. She refuses to close shop, at least for now. However, if things get worse that could change. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
