Security Safety & 2019 REPORT - Downtown Business Association
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2019 REPORT
Safety &
Security
IN DOW NTOW N E D M ON TON
2019 REPORT 1
10121 Jasper Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 4X6
www.edmontondowntown.com
To Support, Connect,
and Enrich Edmonton’s
Downtown Community
2 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
PARTICIPA N TS
RIPHAY AL-HUSSEIN LINDA HUI BOB PHILP
PARTICIPANTS
Downtown Resident/Worker University of Alberta Bob Philp Campaign
JUSTIN ARCHER IKE JANACEK JENNA PILOT
Berlin Communications Chateau Lacombe Hotel City of Edmonton
MARIO ARROTTA TODD JANES TIM QUERENGESSER
Oilers Entertainment Group Tim Querengesser Consulting
RACHEL JONES
JODIE BERRY Kepler Academy TERRY ROCCHIO
REACH Edmonton Edmonton Police Service
ROY JORAWSKY
BILL BLAIS DENINE SALDIVAR
Maclab Development Group SAM JURU Greystone Property Management
City of Edmonton
ALANNA BROKOP BRAD SCHIEMAN
YEG Ambassadors CHERIE KLASSEN EPCOR
Old Strathcona Business Association
PAM BROWN DAVID SHEPHERD
Oxford Properties FLEMMING KRISTENSEN MLA, Edmonton-Centre
EPCOR
JAMES BUTLIN TANNER STOROSCHUK
Paladin Security LORRAINE KUFFNER Epic Realty Partners
Community Liaison Edmonton Centre
CHRIS BUYZE LESLEY VAAGE
Downtown Edmonton Community League DWAYNE LACUSTA City of Edmonton
Workers Compensation Board
LAURA CARTER EVGENY VOUTCHKOV
Edmonton Tourism BIN LAU City of Edmonton
Office of the Mayor
MICHELLE CRAIG MARYANNE WIEBE
Government of Alberta RAFFAELLA LORO Downtown Resident
Addiction and Mental Health Branch
HOWARD MCCANN RAYMOND WILLIAMS
SHANNON DEN BESTEN Downtown Resident MacEwan University
City of Edmonton
CLAIRE MACDONALD RICHARD WONG
TYLER DUGGAN David Shepherd Edmonton-Centre EDMONTON CONFERENCE CENTRE
Aspen Property Management
SUSAN MANCINI CLAUDIA WONG-RUSNAK
DENNIS EWART Oxford Properties Group City of Edmonton
GEORGINA FIDDLER CONNIE MARCINIUK PERCY WOODS
Mammoth Properties Inc. City of Edmonton BOMA Edmonton
NELSON GLADDERS DUSTIN MARTIN CORY WOSNACK
Independent Consultant Avison Young
NATALIA GOULART
Epic Realty Partners AMBER MEDYNSKI BECKY WRIGHT
City of Edmonton Edmonton Police Service
DANIEL HARTFORD
EPCOR BRENDA MURRELL LISA ZHANG
Seniors Community YEG Ambassadors
DAVID HOLDSWORTH
City of Edmonton NICOLE NUNES AARON ZYCH
City of Edmonton PCL Edmonton Buildings
CORY HUCULAK
Edmonton Police Service BILL PATRICK
Downtown Resident
2019 REPORT 3
CO N T EN TS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
5 Message from the DBA
6 Workshop Introduction
02. WORKSHOP TOPICS
8 Homelessness
9 Panhandling
10 Mental Health
11 Addiction/Drug Use
12 Graffiti
13 Theft
14 Harassment
15 Safety/ Security
16 Aggressive Behaviour
03. POST-WORKSHOP
ANALYSIS
19 Media Analysis
20 Case Study
21 Ways Forward
23 Thank You from the DBA
4 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
FROM THE DBA
MESSAGE FROM
THE DOWNTOWN
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
OF EDMONTON
Edmonton is a community whose members include homeowners,
those who rent, business owners, community leaders and those who
sleep rough or lack permanent shelter. Interactions between these
groups are often caring and cordial, but in isolated cases can create
feelings of insecurity. Changes to our city created through construction,
the temporary closing of facilities and the displacement of people have,
in part, led to a perception that these instances have grown in frequency
and severity over the past year. This is the impetus for this report.
The Downtown Business Association recognizes the hard work required
to create and sustain a small-business, the centrality of Downtown to
the identity of the city overall and the vulnerable position of people living
on the margins. We work to bring together all who want Edmonton to
be a safe, supportive, enjoyable place for all people, regardless of
socio-economic or demographic status. This report and the DBA-
sponsored workshop it examines are part of these efforts. I hope this
sparks conversation and action.
Ian O’Donnell
Executive Director,
Downtown Business Association
2019 REPORT 5
INT RO DU C T I O N
On November 15, the Downtown Business Association held a security
forum that saw 60 people attend and participate. The Association invited
select organizations to the forum and advertised it on social media.
Participation was open to all. Attendance included City of Edmonton
staff, politicians, residents, business owners and representatives of
support agencies.
Attendees were asked to identify perceived security challenges and
potential solutions. The identified topics of discussion organized at
different tables were homelessness, panhandling, mental health, addiction/
drug use, graffiti, theft, harassment, safety/security, and aggressive
behaviour. A tenth table served as an open topic table, to capture
information outside the nine issue categories.
The following report details what we heard from those who attended
and contributed at the forum.
ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS
ASSOCIATION OF EDMONTON
The Downtown Business Association’s primary
role is “To Support, Connect, and Enrich
Edmonton’s Downtown Community.” The
Downtown Business Association was formed
through the establishment of a Business
Revitalization Zone for Downtown Edmonton in
1985. This zone includes the area from 95 Street
to 111 Street and from 97 Avenue to 105 Avenue.
More information about the DBA can be
found at www.edmontondowntown.com
6 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
#YEGAMBASSADORS
2019 REPORT 7
01
Homelessness “describes the situation of an individual,
family or community without stable, safe, permanent,
appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect,
means and ability of acquiring it.”
- Canadian Observatory on Homelessness
HOMELESSNESS
They suggested institutions like schools
WHAT WE HEARD could be put to different use for this
We’re “nowhere near where we challenge. They noted social enterprise
should be,” one said. Another noted projects could be expanded. They
homelessness is often inaccurately suggested opportunities to change
perceived as directly linked with criminality: perceptions about “who” experiences
“We assume the story.” One respondent homelessness. “Can we build leaders
said a powerful perception is that people through this demographic?” We also
experiencing homelessness are part of heard that more funding, spaces beyond
gangs, carry knives and “look” dangerous shelters that welcome people and more
– but they acknowledged this is often false. volunteers are needed. They said we need
“All stories are different.” Others noted to collaborate on the solution and increase
shelters can feel “unsafe” for users. “wrap around support.” Identified partners
include City of Edmonton, Government of
CHALLENGES Alberta, residents, University of Alberta,
Respondents said it feels as if Edmonton Public Library, Boyle Street and
challenges linked to people experiencing other service agencies.
homelessness are intensifying across
Edmonton. These challenges include THEMES
aggression, insecurity, and business-owner The main themes that came out of the
frustration linked to more people using workshop on homelessness are:
their areas for rest, shelter or warmth.
1 challenges are intensifying;
They also include people preying on those
2 majority perceptions are not realities;
experiencing homelessness, and policies
3 most experiencing homelessness
that don’t allow partners to remain together
are not dangerous (though a minority
in shelters or push people out of buildings.
can be);
We also heard that understanding
4 pregnant women and others who
homelessness and its causes are big
“look normal” are also part of the
challenges.
homeless population;
5 a lack of affordable housing and
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
resources are likely the root-cause
Respondents said there are opportunities
of the challenge.
to create pop-up days that offer services
like hairdressers or help with resumes.
8 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
02
Panhandling “means a request or solicitation made verbally
or otherwise for the gratuitous provision of money or
goods from another person.”
- City of Edmonton bylaws
to engage one another and be kinder
PANHANDLING
WHAT WE HEARD with those in the community, as well
Respondents said “we have dispersed the as build facilities like public washrooms.
problem geographically,” while another They further noted opportunities to create
said there are “lots” of panhandlers. social enterprises where “cash/credit”
Others said that many panhandlers are can be used to buy people food and
not aggressive but that those who are drinks. Lastly, respondents suggested
more likely to be male. Still others noted people donate things in dire need like
there is “less cash” available today thanks underwear, socks, coats and clothing
to electronic payments, that panhandling rather than money, and that organizations
appears to have evolved or become a such as Rogers Place partner with others
“business,” and that it takes a lot of to address panhandling. Identified partners
courage to ask for money. were Boyle Street, shelters, housing
initiatives.
CHALLENGES
We also heard that unknowns about THEMES
panhandling are challenging – do people The main themes that came out of the
need the money or are they using it to buy workshop on panhandling are:
drugs? Are those most in need asking?
1 misperceptions about who panhandles,
They also noted shelters ask clients to
why and its effect on safety are all
leave by 8 am and this potentially puts
powerful;
people panhandling in conflict with those
2 collisions between people are amplified
heading to their jobs, and these people can
by structural decisions, such as shelter
be rude to panhandlers. Still, they noted
hours or a lack of public washrooms;
that residents of an area and its businesses
3 businesses and local residents feel
deal with the main fallout of aggressive
caught in the middle of what feels like
panhandlers.
an intensifying situation;
4 there are a lack of resources to address
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
root causes;
Respondents told us there are
5 most aggressive panhandlers seem to
opportunities to educate people about
be men.
what’s safe versus unsafe, how to engage
panhandlers and why people panhandle
in the first place. They also identified
opportunities to encourage neighbours
2019 REPORT 9
03
“Mental illnesses can take many forms, just as physical
illnesses do. Mental illnesses are still feared and
misunderstood by many people, but the fear will
disappear as people learn more about them.”
- Canadian Mental Health Association
MENTAL HEALTH
WHAT WE HEARD THEMES
Respondents told us there are insufficient The main themes that came out of the
supports available for people struggling workshop on mental-health challenges are:
with mental-health challenges. They also
1 perceptions are difficult and negative
said that there is still a lot to be done but
stigma remains;
that we are moving towards positive steps.
2 people in many areas feel increasingly
Further, they added that many people
unsafe or uncomfortable due to
want to help those with mental-health
situations that appear linked to mental-
challenges but do not know how to do so
health challenges;
or who to call for assistance. For example,
3 no two situations are the same;
one private security worker acknowledged
4 the prevalence of mental-health
they would not know how to address
challenges within marginalized
challenges linked to mental health.
populations is perceived to be very high;
5 those on the ground need better
CHALLENGES
education or places to turn to for
We also heard that many of the challenges
assistance, and those who respond
are at the “triage” level – events or
to mental-health challenges need
problems that need supports before an
more resources.
issue grows to a crisis level. They also
suggested that the comfort levels of
people sharing the street are a challenge,
as is security on LRT and transit.
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents said, “more sessions
like today.” Throughout the feedback,
respondents noted the opportunity to
increase understanding, teach mental-
health first aid, better fund supports and
services like 211 or other ways to address
mental-health challenges. Transit, 211,
REACH, Alberta Health Services,
Canadian Mental Health Association
were identified partners.
10 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION04
“Addiction can be broadly defined as a condition that
leads to a compulsive engagement with a stimuli, despite
negative consequences. This can lead to physical and/or
psychological dependence.”
- Canadian Mental Health Association
ADDICTION/DRUG USE
WHAT WE HEARD WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents said crystal meth use and Respondents said increased supervised
drug use overall are on the rise, but that consumption sites, better training for
this ebbs and flows. They noted common responders, business owners and security
perception is that debris from drug use, staff, banish point needles, more naloxone
such as needles, is also on the rise and kits, improved education, permanent
noted there are now needle sweeps housing options and better support for
at construction sites. Needles are “so services like 211 are potential ways
unsafe,” one said. Respondents also said forward. They also said crisis and mental-
some feel unsafe when people are under health training would help. They pointed
the influence or experiencing withdrawal to increasing the number of sharps
and that people seem increasingly containers and educating people on the
aggressive on certain types of drugs. risks of handling needles as opportunities.
They also noted educating people on
CHALLENGES calling 911 versus 211 (both are okay) in
Respondents told us most people don’t difficult situations. Finally they noted the
want to deal with needles, there are too promise of socially-conscious programs
few sharps containers and there is too to assist people, like at The Nook.
little information on which pharmacies
accept sharps. They said education for THEMES
business owners and security guards on The main themes that came out of the
responding to addictions issues is sorely workshop on addiction/drug use are:
needed, and that finding the balance
1 the 211 service is essential to most
between safety and social responsibility
people to address these challenges
is hard. Respondents said the biggest
and needs to be expanded;
perceived issue is mental health, and
2 the mainstream aversion to needles
this sees limited resources devoted to
and needle debris is considerable;
support people. Respondents also noted
3 more resources and people on the
a lack of resources for non-emergency
ground are needed;
services, naloxone kits and training are all
4 training and education is badly needed
challenges.
in many areas;
5 addiction issues are perceived to
be growing.
2019 REPORT 1105
“Graffiti is a criminal offence when placed on public or
private property without the owner’s consent. Private
property owners are required to remove graffiti from their
property within a reasonable amount of time.”
- City of Edmonton
GRAFFITI
Whyte Avenue), and flyers that are
WHAT WE HEARD distributed to business owners are
Respondents told us incidents of graffiti possible opportunities. Respondents
are up by 60 per cent over last year and said graffiti should be reported as
most graffiti is perceived to be “gang- quickly as possible so it can be cleaned
related symbols.” up right away.
CHALLENGES THEMES
Respondents told us there is a perception The main themes that came out of
that people use graffiti in order to be the workshop on graffiti are:
heard, but also said motivations for
1 it is increasing;
tagging a building with graffiti are not
2 there are opportunities to deal with it
clear. Respondents said more information
using creative methods such as
on the City website is needed to help
designated spaces for murals;
with challenges in dealing with graffiti.
3 awareness of supports for businesses,
They said business owners need to
like the City of Edmonton graffiti removal
ensure a clean-up program is in place
program, needs to be improved.
on their buildings so clean-up occurs
right away.
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
We also heard that an opportunity might
be an area to be created where graffiti
can occur without destroying property,
such as a mural program. Respondents
said the Downtown Business Association,
Edmonton Police Service and City of
Edmonton are existing partners in dealing
with graffiti. They noted the City Clean-up
crew and programs that have the person
responsible for graffiti help with cleanup
as part of rehabilitation, Free Walls (on
12 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION06
THEFT
WHAT WE HEARD THEMES
Respondents said they perceive incidents The main themes that came out of the
of theft have increased and have become workshop on theft are:
more extraordinary. One told a story of a
1 a desire for neighbours, community
bike being stolen from a second-storey
members and businesses to build
balcony. Bike theft in particular was
connections in order to address the
flagged as having increased. There is
issues that theft creates;
also a perception that little is being done.
2 frustration with how police are able to
“Police take information but do nothing,”
address theft;
one respondent wrote.
3 crimes of opportunity continue to be an
issue, and education to urge people to
CHALLENGES
not leave things in cars or easily reached
We heard that police response
in a business can help.
times to theft complaints are too long.
There is also a perception that theft is a
low priority for police. We heard that there
is also a perception that people
are more aggressive and that when
theft strikes, victims feel violated.
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents noted partners on addressing
theft include Edmonton Police, neighbours,
businesses and security companies.
They also noted existing projects, like
registering bicycles online, could offer
further opportunities, as could databases.
Increasing connections between
neighbours was also highlighted as an
opportunity, as was increasing awareness
and education. Identified partners include
business, Edmonton Police Service,
security companies.
2019 REPORT 1307
“Harassment is a form of discrimination. It includes any
unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that offends or
humiliates you. Generally, harassment is a behaviour that
persists over time. Serious one-time incidents can also
sometimes be considered harassment.”
- Canadian Mental Health Association
HARASSMENT
WHAT WE HEARD WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents said 211 is ineffective for Respondents said de-stigmatizing issues
harassment calls, and that EPS calls are is an opportunity, as are improved
increasing and we cannot police ourselves treatment options for those within the
out of harassment issues. They said criminal justice system. They suggested
harassment happens everywhere in the swift action by law enforcement to remove
city and that people needing help have people from the source of many problems,
been pushed from the core where they like drugs, as one potential opportunity.
formerly had supports. Respondents They also said consequences need to be
also said the perception is the opening meaningful. Existing partners and projects
of supervised consumption sites has include shelters, BEAT, injection sites,
increased harassment issues. EPS, Boyle Street, Bissell. New partners
may need to come in and share statistics.
CHALLENGES Respondents said resources need to be
We heard that people do not respect increased for assessing, treating, teaching
property and that downtown gentrification mental health issues.
has pushed issues into predominantly
residential spaces. On the flip side, THEMES
they said residents fearful of harassment The main themes that came out of the
limit what they do across the city after workshop on harassment are:
8 pm as a result of it. Respondents said
1 Police are under-resourced or unable to
EPS is under too much resource pressure
fully deal with the problem;
to be proactive, while also that supports
2 people limit their interaction with the
for offenders are inadequate. Interestingly,
city in many areas due to fears of
they noted acknowledging people who
harassment;
harass them is not a solution and risks
3 harassment affects almost everyone
provoking aggression, but that ignoring
in society and can see those with
people dehumanizes harassers and
the most affluence as harassers in
potentially feeds the problem, too.
certain contexts;
Finally, some said aggressive and badly-
4 dealing with someone harassing you
behaved crowds downtown for events or
is incredibly challenging and fraught
hockey games harass people, including
with risks.
women, Indigenous people and those
on the margins.
14 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION08
SAFETY/SECURITY
WHAT WE HEARD WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents said more people are Respondents noted the expansion of the
downtown as a result of residential LRT, building relationships with the at-risk
development, new amenities and the population and increasing the residential
economic downturn. They said there population downtown as opportunities to
is a significant increase in theft, noted create a more comfortable environment.
random attacks at LRT stations, and Respondents also said providing places for
flagged an increase in people experiencing people experiencing homelessness beyond
homelessness as related to the issue. finding space behind a dumpster is an
They also said most crimes are crimes opportunity. Existing partners are 211, beat
of opportunity and the problem is shifting officers, EPS, security companies and the
across the city. Edmonton is no longer City of Edmonton. Media was identified as
a big little town, they said. a potential partner to improve the situation.
CHALLENGES THEMES
Respondents identified perceptions The main themes that came out of the
as challenges – that homelessness is workshop on safety/security are:
perceived to correlate with criminality,
1 an increase in interactions is leading
that downtown is not safe, that gang-
to an increased perception of safety
related activity is increasing. The reality
and security concerns in many areas;
they said is people often feel safe
2 perceptions do not always mesh with
downtown with the increase of people
realities but are powerful determinants
moving about. They said new visitors
for people’s preferences on where and
and “party-goers” may not be used
when they go out;
to a homeless population and this is
3 building better relationships is needed;
a challenge. They added that media
4 media tone in reporting these challenges
reportage tends to sensationalize
is a potential problem.
negative aspects of the challenges.
We heard that they they perceive
greater intolerance overall.
2019 REPORT 1509
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR
WHAT WE HEARD WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents said drugs create behaviours Respondents said an opportunity is
that can be interpreted as aggressive. providing education to help people
They said mental-health challenges are understand mental-health challenges and
pronounced, that there is more aggressive training for security guards. They said the
behavior downtown and that the slow old Remand Centre could be reconfigured
economic recovery may be playing a role. as a place that people with challenges can
Respondents noted the use of crystal meth use. They suggested setting hard targets
is on the increase, and flagged increased for creating safe spaces. They suggested
aggression, break-ins and vandalism as people on the ground to work with those
potentially linked to this. They also said in need, to provide places for people to be
police presence is not the only solution, and receive supports, and to stop focusing
that organizations tend to displace people on ways to push people away. They have
to create security, and that they see identified existing partners on the issue
people being threatened. as REACH, 211 and Hope Mission.
CHALLENGES THEMES
Respondents said many people avoid The main themes that came out of the
intervening, or are highly intimidated, workshop on aggressive behaviour are:
and this creates challenges. They also
1 it is widely perceived that substance
said there is limitation on where people
use is linked to the behaviour;
experiencing homelessness can go,
2 it is widely perceived that mental-health
which pushes different populations into
challenges are linked to the behaviour;
altercations. They said the Fort McMurray
3 increasing people on the ground and
fire pushed many into Edmonton, and that
education are two specific tools
events bring party-goers and young males
identified as positive ways forward
downtown who contribute to aggressive
to address the challenge;
behavior. Respondents said citizens want
3 new partnerships and ways of engaging
to know what they can do to feel safer,
the public are needed.
and also said visitors to Edmonton need
more support to feel safer.
16 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION2019 REPORT 17
DBA EDMONTON WORKSHOPS 18 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
ME D IA A N A LYSIS
‘CALL TO INCREASE ‘DOWNTOWN
SECURITY DOWNTOWN’ EDMONTON
CTV News Report | Aired: November 15 | EXPLORING HOW
Reported by Timm Bruch
BUSINESS CAN RESPOND
Reporter focuses on homelessness, crime TO PANHANDLING’
and panhandling. Story leads with negative but CBC News report | Published: December 12 |
ends on positive note that the group assembled Reported by Anna McMillan
is working to find ways to make things change.
Factual reportage about the workshop event Focus on the perspective of those who panhandle
with some data about assaults in different downtown and how they are often in conflict
areas of the city. with businesses. Quote Russell Wolfleg about his
experiences as a panhandler forms central thrust.
INTERVIEWED: Ian O’Donnell, Rachel Jones, “From my point of view, a lot of businesses are
Todd Janes
kind of rude to homeless [people] and those
ANALYSIS: Balanced that are struggling because they don’t
understand.” Story notes panhandling is largest
safety concern; mentions contentious sign at
Remedy Cafe at Jasper and 103 warning of
‘DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS “zero tolerance” for panhandling. Reporter speaks
UPSET ABOUT MORE with Julian Daly, who notes businesses should
CRIME AND DISORDER’ treat those experiencing homelessness like any
other customer. Reporter speaks with Lynsae
Edmonton Journal column | Published: Moon, of Nook Cafe, who notes the business
November 16 | Columnist David Staples
experiences fewer problems with panhandling
Writer leads with a focus on the most spectacular thanks to a give-back program for the less
and negative aspects of the workshop discussion, fortunate at Nook.
using the term “more” repeatedly to suggest an INTERVIEWED: Ian O’Donnell, Rachel Jones,
overly negative sense of crisis. The writer then Todd Janes
speaks with a reasonable assortment of voices, ANALYSIS: Focused on business responses and
including a realtor that works downtown and a how people are affected, Balanced
local resident. Columnists ends with a story of
how residents have worked with homeless
people to reduce nuisance and clutter.
INTERVIEWED: Ian O’Donnell, Cory Wosnack,
Jodie Berry
ANALYSIS: Column focuses on spectacle
rather than substance
2019 REPORT 19CAS E ST UDY
OVERCOMING
CHALLENGES
THROUGH
COLLABORATION
PANHANDLING:
HOW TO ENGAGE WITH WHEN SOMEONE IS PANHANDLING
VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS
How you approach someone panhandling
is very important and will help set the tone
“When I panhandle I feel I have to for the entire engagement. Vulnerable people
give up all of my dignity and self-respect
are no different than the rest of us:
to be able toask complete strangers for
money and help. It is my absolute last they appreciate courtesy.
resort to get money to meet my needs
1 Greet them and introduce yourself if you are
and is humiliating.”
comfortable - something as simple as a hello,
–Kevin, Boyle Street Community Services Client
and acknowledgment goes a long way.
Most people who panhandle suffer from 2 Use their name whenever possible. Tell them
physical and/or mental health issues and are you understand why they’re panhandling but
unable to work. Many have no regular ask if they’d mind not doing so at your place
income. Even those on social assistance of work/business.
typically receive less than $1,000 per month.
3 Determine if there’s something you can offer
So while panhandling may seem disruptive,
(i.e. a bottle of water, a place to warm up,
irritating, or perhaps even frightening, it’s
a list of social services). If not, dignity always
important to keep in mind the very vulnerable
goes a long way.
person behind the behaviour.
If people from your business or workplace would like further information on how to engage with
vulnerable individuals in downtown they can contact Boyle Street Community Services to arrange
for someone to present to their staff at (587) 338-1959.
20 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONWAYS FORWA RD
WAYS FORWARD
DRIVEN FROM
THE WORKSHOP
CREATE NEW CONNECTIONS DISPEL MYTHS
No one agency or policy will address Much of the thinking and discussion
the root causes of the issues that on many of the challenges examined
affect Downtown Edmonton and at this workshop are built on myths
the overall city. Breaking out of or stereotypes. Our challenge is to
our silos and collaborating is actively challenge ourselves
the best way forward. to dispel inaccurate or
judgmental thinking.
WORK ON THE ROOTS CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT
The root causes of one issue are To achieve these aims we must
often the root causes of another continually engage with these issues
issue. It’s only through a holistic, honestly. We must dedicate enough
everything-on-the-table approach resources and we must continue
that we will innovate solutions to expect governments and other
that work for everyone. groups to partner us in working
on these challenges.
2019 REPORT 21WAYS FO RWAR D
The DBA workshop identified many challenges but it also
challenged its participants to offer potential solutions or ideas.
Their ideas fell within broader themes.
1. DO MORE WITH WHAT WE HAVE 5. ALMOST EVERYTHING HAS A
Workshop respondents identified using LINK TO MENTAL HEALTH
infrastructure we already have, such as schools, Mental health supports were identified,
to address parts of the challenge. repeatedly, as being inadequate and in need
of more resources and attention. Nearly each
challenge saw respondents flag mental
2. THINK ABOUT ADOPTING health as a root cause.
HOUSING FIRST
Accessible housing continually came up as a
needed solution. Research in many jurisdictions 6. GET CREATIVE
suggests providing accessible housing is powerful Graffiti and tagging are unwanted elements in
in reducing many of the challenges discussed at the Downtown, but murals can be a force for
the workshop. beautification. Why not be creative and channel
this challenge in a way that’s a win-win?
Festivals such as Rust Magic already suggest
3. EDUCATE EVERYONE this is happening.
Education programs for those dealing with these
challenges on the front line, those affected by
them as residents and those living them were 7. OPEN OUR EYES
repeatedly identified as needed. Harassment was identified as a central reason
people limit their interaction with certain places
and areas, and that this harassment is not only
4. GET THE BASICS RIGHT coming from marginalized populations but also
Many noted that challenges are currently at those with affluence and privilege.
the “triage” level, meaning front-line people
are needed to respond to them effectively and
properly before they grow into larger issues 8. REPORT ISSUES
that affect more people. Many noted police are Whether someone calls 311, 211, 911 or chooses
unable to deal with petty theft cases. another way to report something, ensuring that
we document events accurately is important.
Resource allocation is becoming increasingly
predicated on data.
22 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONTHA N K YOU
FROM THE DOWNTOWN
THANK YOU
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
OF EDMONTON
The Downtown Business Association sincerely thanks
everyone who took time to join us at our workshop.
This event originated from the need to improve reporting
of incidents, ensure we are having honest conversations
about what’s happening on our streets throughout the
city and to provide a snapshot of the situation and its
complexities to decision makers, elected officials and those
who work on these issues each and every day. Our goal was
to convene the room, share stories and look at innovative
ways to more effectively approach some of these challenges.
A vibrant, safe, inclusive and prosperous Downtown is one
that uplifts the entire city. Collectively, we must not only
work towards solutions, but perhaps more importantly,
we have to restore a higher level of respect and pride for
our entire community.
2019 REPORT 23Safety &
Security
IN DOWN TOWN EDMONTO N
edmontondowntown.com
@DBAYeg
@dbayeg
facebook.com/dbayeg
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