A Bold Step Toward a Safer Edmonton
Creating safer streets, communities, and public spaces is job #1. As your candidate for city councillor, I have made it clear that safety and security are at the core of my platform. Today, I’m proud to share the first steps of our Safety and Security Initiative, a proactive and practical plan designed to restore confidence, peace of mind, and vibrancy to Edmonton’s City Centre.
Decentralizing Social Agencies and Shelters
For too long, the concentration of large-scale shelters and social agencies in the downtown core has created unintended challenges for the community. It’s clear that clustering these essential services in one area has led to safety concerns, increased social disorder, and hindered the well-being of both shelter clients and residents.
What’s Happening Now:
- Discussions with shelter providers and community stakeholders have begun to relocate Edmonton’s two major shelters out of the downtown core. Shelter providers support this initiative, as it offers an opportunity for more focused, manageable care.
- The goal is to transition to smaller, more effective shelters across various locations, each housing 30-40 individuals. This approach ensures better internal and external security and allows service providers to focus resources on meaningful rehabilitation and recovery programs.
The Outcome:
- Reduced social disorder in downtown neighbourhoods.
- Safer and more manageable facilities for those seeking shelter and assistance.
- A revitalized downtown core where businesses, residents, and families feel secure and supported.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement and Community Groups
A safer city requires teamwork. We are building stronger partnerships with local law enforcement, community organizations, and social service providers to address safety challenges from all angles.
Key Steps:
- Increased police presence in high-traffic and at-risk areas, particularly near transit stations, parks, and schools.
- Coordination with front-line workers to ensure public spaces remain safe while providing care to vulnerable populations.
- Investment in community-driven safety programs such as neighbourhood watch groups and outreach initiatives.
A Safer LRT for All
Our public transit system should be reliable, clean, and above all, safe. Unfortunately, ongoing issues with safety on the LRT have made many residents hesitant to use public transportation.
Action Plan:
- Increased security patrols on trains, platforms, and transit hubs to deter crime and ensure a visible safety presence.
- Collaboration with transit staff and law enforcement to provide quick responses to any reported incidents.
- Improved lighting, cleanliness, and surveillance systems to enhance passenger safety and comfort.
Why This Matters
Safety is the foundation upon which our community thrives. Without safe streets, secure neighborhoods, and a protected public transit system, we cannot achieve our goals of growth, economic recovery, and community pride. These safety and security initiatives are about creating a city where:
- Parents feel confident letting their kids play outside.
- Businesses can flourish without safety concerns.
- Residents can walk their streets or ride public transit without fear.
Your Voice Matters
Safety and security are community-wide efforts, and I need your input to keep this initiative moving forward. Whether it’s concerns about a specific area or ideas for improvement, I want to hear from you. Together, we can make Edmonton’s City Centre a place that reflects the pride, safety, and vibrancy we all deserve.
Let’s take back our city—one safe street at a time.
Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out these initiatives and achieve real results for Edmonton.