Business owners in the downtown area of Edmonton are calling on government assistance to address public safety concerns. They emphasize the financial burden of implementing additional security measures and the impact on customer satisfaction.
Cheryll Watson, chair of the Downtown Revitalization Coalition, stressed that businesses should not bear the responsibility of safeguarding against vandalism, break-ins, and security threats alone. Watson highlighted these challenges during a media event in collaboration with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
A gathering of business leaders, including Leslie Boss, owner of Crown & Ember salon, discussed the issue with MP Ruby Sahota, the federal secretary of state for combating crime. Boss shared her experiences of two break-ins at her salon within a year, leading to financial losses and the need for enhanced security measures.
Boss estimated spending approximately $2,000 on security equipment and repairs due to the incidents. She also expressed concerns about escalating drug-related activities in the downtown area, affecting both businesses and customers.
Andrea Nguyen, owner of Kumi Nails salon, also shared instances of crime impacting her business and clients. She recounted a recent theft incident involving a customer’s vehicle, underscoring the growing daytime criminal activities in the vicinity.
Sahota acknowledged the broader public safety issues affecting downtown areas and emphasized the collaborative efforts required from various levels of government. She stressed the importance of addressing mental health, addiction, and housing challenges alongside enhancing public safety measures.
Doug Griffiths, president of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle mental health, addiction, and homelessness issues. He highlighted the importance of cleanliness, beautification, and community engagement to revitalize downtown regions.
Both Boss and Nguyen expressed the need for increased police presence and support services to address addiction and social struggles effectively. They emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to enhance public safety and community well-being.