The City of Calgary is moving forward with 28 recommendations aimed at improving downtown safety and vibrancy. These recommendations were put forth by the Downtown Safety Leadership Table, a group assembled by the mayor and downtown leaders with the goal of enhancing the downtown experience for visitors. The panel released its final report in March of 2024, outlining various recommendations to improve safety, visitor experience, and support for at-risk individuals in the downtown core. The report identified gaps and challenges in government response, strategic communication, community collaboration, and specialized initiatives.
The recommendations include both short-term solutions that can be implemented within a year and long-term strategies that may require multiple levels of government involvement and several years to fully realize. Short-term recommendations include improved cleaning and maintenance in public spaces, updated city policies for managing homeless encampments, and increased availability of public washrooms. The report also suggests establishing year-round daytime resource centers to provide support for individuals experiencing homelessness, similar to the coordinated response seen in the winter months.
One of the key recommendations is to bring a police station back to the downtown core to increase officer presence and improve safety. The report also calls for a review of the city’s Plus 15 network downtown, with a focus on identifying sections that may be suitable for closure or dismantling to encourage more street-level foot traffic. The report highlights safety issues within the Plus 15 network, particularly after hours and on weekends. Mayor Gondek emphasized that the recommendations are a blueprint for improvement and a commitment to creating a downtown that is safe and inclusive for all.
Work is already underway or will soon begin on all 28 recommendations, with 11 expected to be completed within the year. However, eight recommendations may require additional resources or funding for implementation. City officials are already reviewing how these recommendations will be funded. Changes that are already in progress include increased police presence, maintenance improvements in public spaces, and resource supports for vulnerable individuals. City administration will provide updates on the progress of the implementation plan, with individual project updates occurring as recommendations are implemented.
The report was put together by the Downtown Safety Leadership Table, whose members volunteered their time for the effort. The City of Calgary Administration will continue to work with partners to act on the recommendations put forward and address complex challenges facing the downtown area. The collaborative effort of the Safety Leadership Table underscores the importance of coming together to address these challenges and create a safer, more vibrant downtown for all Calgarians. As the recommendations are implemented, updates will be provided to the public on the progress of the initiatives.
