Business owners in downtown Edmonton are calling for government assistance in addressing public safety concerns. They highlight the financial burden of implementing additional security measures due to vandalism, break-ins, and security issues affecting their establishments.
Cheryll Watson, chair of the Downtown Revitalization Coalition, emphasized that businesses should not bear the sole responsibility for preventing such incidents. She made these remarks during a joint event with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce where business leaders and MP Ruby Sahota, the federal secretary of state for combatting crime, gathered to discuss public safety and its impact on the local economy.
While acknowledging some improvements from increased police patrols, Watson and local businesses stress the need for more support. Leslie Boss, owner of Crown & Ember salon, recounted experiencing two break-ins within a year, leading to significant financial losses for security upgrades and stolen items.
Similarly, Andrea Nguyen, owner of Kumi Nails, highlighted multiple break-ins over the years, prompting the installation of security measures like locking doors and exterior lighting. Both Boss and Nguyen expressed concerns about the escalating crime rates, affecting their businesses and clientele.
MP Ruby Sahota emphasized the broader societal issues at play, calling for collaborative efforts between different levels of government to address mental health, addiction, and housing challenges. Doug Griffiths, president of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of improving downtown conditions to attract more visitors and enhance public safety.
The business community hopes for increased police presence and enhanced social support systems to mitigate crime and improve the overall downtown environment. They believe that addressing root causes like addiction and mental health struggles is crucial for long-term solutions to the public safety issues in downtown Edmonton.