The Healthy Streets Operation Centre, a two-year pilot project aimed at addressing crime and social disorder in Edmonton’s Chinatown, is coming to an end. Launched in 2022 as a collaborative effort between Edmonton police, social workers, and other front-line staff, the center collected information on crime-related incidents in the neighborhood. While the pilot project will be wrapping up in December, community members like Sandy Pon, chair of the Chinatown Transformative Collaborative, believe that the past two years have made a difference. Pon notes that increased reporting of incidents does not necessarily mean an increase in crime but rather shows that community members are more willing to come forward and report issues, indicating a growing trust and confidence in service workers.
Some community members have observed improvements in safety in the area and an increase in visitors returning to Chinatown as a result of the Healthy Streets Operation Centre. However, business owners like Phong Luu, owner of Kim Fat Market Ltd., emphasize that there is still work to be done to ensure the ongoing safety and prosperity of the neighborhood. Luu has experienced vandalism and break-ins at his store and acknowledges the positive impact of having peace officers and EPS members present in the community. He highlights the importance of collaboration among organizations and businesses in addressing the challenges faced by Chinatown, including issues related to homelessness and crime.
Restaurant owner Hoay Tang expresses concerns about the safety of Chinatown, noting a significant decline in customers and business due to disorder and crime in the area. Tang emphasizes the need for more support for Edmonton’s homeless community and stresses that the neighborhood is no longer as safe as it once was. Despite these challenges, the Edmonton Police Service has committed to continuing its support for the area, with plans to fund its share of the Healthy Streets Operations moving forward. Community Safety Teams, which combine police officers with AHS paramedics, will continue their work in the neighborhood, addressing safety and wellness concerns.
In a city council meeting, councillors were presented with a progress report on the initiatives in Chinatown, including a motion to transfer funds from the Downtown Vibrancy Fund to the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi highlights the importance of reinvesting in the neglected Chinatown community and acknowledges the positive impact of the revitalization efforts over the past two years. Business owner Phong Luu expresses gratitude to loyal customers for supporting his business and encourages more Edmontonians to visit Chinatown to help make the neighborhood vibrant and prosperous. Despite the challenges faced by the community, efforts to address crime and social disorder continue through collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches, aiming to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of Chinatown residents and businesses.
