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.”
HOMELESSNESS
WHAT WE HEARD
We’re “nowhere near where we
should be,” one said. Another noted
homelessness is often inaccurately
perceived as directly linked with criminality:
“We assume the story.” One respondent
said a powerful perception is that people
experiencing homelessness are part of
gangs, carry knives and “look” dangerous
– but they acknowledged this is often false.
“All stories are different.” Others noted
shelters can feel “unsafe” for users.
CHALLENGES
Respondents said it feels as if
challenges linked to people experiencing
homelessness are intensifying across
Edmonton. These challenges include
aggression, insecurity, and business-owner
frustration linked to more people using
their areas for rest, shelter or warmth.
They also include people preying on those
experiencing homelessness, and policies
that don’t allow partners to remain together
in shelters or push people out of buildings.
We also heard that understanding
homelessness and its causes are big
challenges.
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents said there are opportunities
to create pop-up days that offer services
like hairdressers or help with resumes.
8 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
- Canadian Observatory on Homelessness
They suggested institutions like schools
could be put to different use for this
challenge. They noted social enterprise
projects could be expanded. They
suggested opportunities to change
perceptions about “who” experiences
homelessness. “Can we build leaders
through this demographic?” We also
heard that more funding, spaces beyond
shelters that welcome people and more
volunteers are needed. They said we need
to collaborate on the solution and increase
“wrap around support.” Identified partners
include City of Edmonton, Government of
Alberta, residents, University of Alberta,
Edmonton Public Library, Boyle Street and
other service agencies.
THEMES
The main themes that came out of the
workshop on homelessness are:
1 challenges are intensifying;
2 majority perceptions are not realities;
3 most experiencing homelessness
are not dangerous (though a minority
can be);
4 pregnant women and others who
“look normal” are also part of the
homeless population;
5 a lack of affordable housing and
resources are likely the root-cause
of the challenge.
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
problem geographically,” while another
said there are “lots” of panhandlers.
Others said that many panhandlers are
not aggressive but that those who are
more likely to be male. Still others noted
there is “less cash” available today thanks
to electronic payments, that panhandling
appears to have evolved or become a
“business,” and that it takes a lot of
courage to ask for money.
CHALLENGES
We also heard that unknowns about
panhandling are challenging – do people
need the money or are they using it to buy
drugs? Are those most in need asking?
They also noted shelters ask clients to
leave by 8 am and this potentially puts
people panhandling in conflict with those
heading to their jobs, and these people can
be rude to panhandlers. Still, they noted
that residents of an area and its businesses
deal with the main fallout of aggressive
panhandlers.
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents told us there are
opportunities to educate people about
what’s safe versus unsafe, how to engage
panhandlers and why people panhandle
in the first place. They also identified
opportunities to encourage neighbours
as build facilities like public washrooms.
They further noted opportunities to create
social enterprises where “cash/credit”
can be used to buy people food and
drinks. Lastly, respondents suggested
people donate things in dire need like
underwear, socks, coats and clothing
rather than money, and that organizations
such as Rogers Place partner with others
to address panhandling. Identified partners
were Boyle Street, shelters, housing
initiatives.
THEMES
The main themes that came out of the
workshop on panhandling are:
1 misperceptions about who panhandles,
why and its effect on safety are all
powerful;
2 collisions between people are amplified
by structural decisions, such as shelter
hours or a lack of public washrooms;
3 businesses and local residents feel
caught in the middle of what feels like
an intensifying situation;
4 there are a lack of resources to address
root causes;
5 most aggressive panhandlers seem to
be men.

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 ASSOCIATION

04
“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.”
ADDICTION/DRUG USE
WHAT WE HEARD
Respondents said crystal meth use and
drug use overall are on the rise, but that
this ebbs and flows. They noted common
perception is that debris from drug use,
such as needles, is also on the rise and
noted there are now needle sweeps
at construction sites. Needles are “so
unsafe,” one said. Respondents also said
some feel unsafe when people are under
the influence or experiencing withdrawal
and that people seem increasingly
aggressive on certain types of drugs.
CHALLENGES
Respondents told us most people don’t
want to deal with needles, there are too
few sharps containers and there is too
little information on which pharmacies
accept sharps. They said education for
business owners and security guards on
responding to addictions issues is sorely
needed, and that finding the balance
between safety and social responsibility
is hard. Respondents said the biggest
perceived issue is mental health, and
this sees limited resources devoted to
support people. Respondents also noted
a lack of resources for non-emergency
services, naloxone kits and training are all
challenges.
- Canadian Mental Health Association
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents said increased supervised
consumption sites, better training for
responders, business owners and security
staff, banish point needles, more naloxone
kits, improved education, permanent
housing options and better support for
services like 211 are potential ways
forward. They also said crisis and mental-
health training would help. They pointed
to increasing the number of sharps
containers and educating people on the
risks of handling needles as opportunities.
They also noted educating people on
calling 911 versus 211 (both are okay) in
difficult situations. Finally they noted the
promise of socially-conscious programs
to assist people, like at The Nook.
THEMES
The main themes that came out of the
workshop on addiction/drug use are:
1 the 211 service is essential to most
people to address these challenges
and needs to be expanded;
2 the mainstream aversion to needles
and needle debris is considerable;
3 more resources and people on the
ground are needed;
4 training and education is badly needed
in many areas;
5 addiction issues are perceived to
be growing.
2019 REPORT 11
05
“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
Respondents told us incidents of graffiti
are up by 60 per cent over last year and
most graffiti is perceived to be “gang-
related symbols.”
distributed to business owners are
possible opportunities. Respondents
said graffiti should be reported as
quickly as possible so it can be cleaned
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 ASSOCIATION

06
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 13
07
“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
harassment calls, and that EPS calls are
increasing and we cannot police ourselves
out of harassment issues. They said
harassment happens everywhere in the
city and that people needing help have
been pushed from the core where they
formerly had supports. Respondents
also said the perception is the opening
of supervised consumption sites has
increased harassment issues.
CHALLENGES
We heard that people do not respect
property and that downtown gentrification
has pushed issues into predominantly
residential spaces. On the flip side,
they said residents fearful of harassment
limit what they do across the city after
8 pm as a result of it. Respondents said
EPS is under too much resource pressure
to be proactive, while also that supports
for offenders are inadequate. Interestingly,
they noted acknowledging people who
harass them is not a solution and risks
provoking aggression, but that ignoring
people dehumanizes harassers and
potentially feeds the problem, too.
Finally, some said aggressive and badly-
behaved crowds downtown for events or
hockey games harass people, including
women, Indigenous people and those
on the margins.
Respondents said de-stigmatizing issues
is an opportunity, as are improved
treatment options for those within the
criminal justice system. They suggested
swift action by law enforcement to remove
people from the source of many problems,
like drugs, as one potential opportunity.
They also said consequences need to be
meaningful. Existing partners and projects
include shelters, BEAT, injection sites,
EPS, Boyle Street, Bissell. New partners
may need to come in and share statistics.
Respondents said resources need to be
increased for assessing, treating, teaching
mental health issues.
THEMES
The main themes that came out of the
workshop on harassment are:
1 Police are under-resourced or unable to
fully deal with the problem;
2 people limit their interaction with the
city in many areas due to fears of
harassment;
3 harassment affects almost everyone
in society and can see those with
the most affluence as harassers in
certain contexts;
4 dealing with someone harassing you
is incredibly challenging and fraught
with risks.

14 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

08
SAFETY/SECURITY
WHAT WE HEARD
Respondents said more people are
downtown as a result of residential
development, new amenities and the
economic downturn. They said there
is a significant increase in theft, noted
random attacks at LRT stations, and
flagged an increase in people experiencing
homelessness as related to the issue.
They also said most crimes are crimes
of opportunity and the problem is shifting
across the city. Edmonton is no longer
a big little town, they said.
CHALLENGES
Respondents identified perceptions
as challenges – that homelessness is
perceived to correlate with criminality,
that downtown is not safe, that gang-
related activity is increasing. The reality
they said is people often feel safe
downtown with the increase of people
moving about. They said new visitors
and “party-goers” may not be used
to a homeless population and this is
a challenge. They added that media
reportage tends to sensationalize
negative aspects of the challenges.
We heard that they they perceive
greater intolerance overall.
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents noted the expansion of the
LRT, building relationships with the at-risk
population and increasing the residential
population downtown as opportunities to
create a more comfortable environment.
Respondents also said providing places for
people experiencing homelessness beyond
finding space behind a dumpster is an
opportunity. Existing partners are 211, beat
officers, EPS, security companies and the
City of Edmonton. Media was identified as
a potential partner to improve the situation.
THEMES
The main themes that came out of the
workshop on safety/security are:
1 an increase in interactions is leading
to an increased perception of safety
and security concerns in many areas;
2 perceptions do not always mesh with
realities but are powerful determinants
for people’s preferences on where and
when they go out;
3 building better relationships is needed;
4 media tone in reporting these challenges
is a potential problem.
2019 REPORT 15
09
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR
WHAT WE HEARD
Respondents said drugs create behaviours
that can be interpreted as aggressive.
They said mental-health challenges are
pronounced, that there is more aggressive
behavior downtown and that the slow
economic recovery may be playing a role.
Respondents noted the use of crystal meth
is on the increase, and flagged increased
aggression, break-ins and vandalism as
potentially linked to this. They also said
police presence is not the only solution,
that organizations tend to displace people
to create security, and that they see
people being threatened.
CHALLENGES
Respondents said many people avoid
intervening, or are highly intimidated,
and this creates challenges. They also
said there is limitation on where people
experiencing homelessness can go,
which pushes different populations into
altercations. They said the Fort McMurray
fire pushed many into Edmonton, and that
events bring party-goers and young males
downtown who contribute to aggressive
behavior. Respondents said citizens want
to know what they can do to feel safer,
and also said visitors to Edmonton need
more support to feel safer.
16 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Respondents said an opportunity is
providing education to help people
understand mental-health challenges and
training for security guards. They said the
old Remand Centre could be reconfigured
as a place that people with challenges can
use. They suggested setting hard targets
for creating safe spaces. They suggested
people on the ground to work with those
in need, to provide places for people to be
and receive supports, and to stop focusing
on ways to push people away. They have
identified existing partners on the issue
as REACH, 211 and Hope Mission.
THEMES
The main themes that came out of the
workshop on aggressive behaviour are:
1 it is widely perceived that substance
use is linked to the behaviour;
2 it is widely perceived that mental-health
challenges are linked to the behaviour;
3 increasing people on the ground and
education are two specific tools
identified as positive ways forward
to address the challenge;
3 new partnerships and ways of engaging
the public are needed.
2019 REPORT 17
DBA
EDMONTON
WORKSHOPS

18 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION


‘CALL TO INCREASE
SECURITY DOWNTOWN’
CTV News Report | Aired: November 15 |
Reported by Timm Bruch
Reporter focuses on homelessness, crime
and panhandling. Story leads with negative but
ends on positive note that the group assembled
is working to find ways to make things change.
Factual reportage about the workshop event
with some data about assaults in different
areas of the city.
INTERVIEWED: Ian O’Donnell, Rachel Jones,
Todd Janes
ANALYSIS: Balanced
‘DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS
UPSET ABOUT MORE
CRIME AND DISORDER’
Edmonton Journal column | Published:
November 16 | Columnist David Staples
Writer leads with a focus on the most spectacular
and negative aspects of the workshop discussion,
using the term “more” repeatedly to suggest an
overly negative sense of crisis. The writer then
speaks with a reasonable assortment of voices,
including a realtor that works downtown and a
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
ME D IA A N A LYSIS
‘DOWNTOWN
EDMONTON
EXPLORING HOW
BUSINESS CAN RESPOND
TO PANHANDLING’
CBC News report | Published: December 12 |
Reported by Anna McMillan
Focus on the perspective of those who panhandle
downtown and how they are often in conflict
with businesses. Quote Russell Wolfleg about his
experiences as a panhandler forms central thrust.
“From my point of view, a lot of businesses are
kind of rude to homeless [people] and those
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
“zero tolerance” for panhandling. Reporter speaks
with Julian Daly, who notes businesses should
treat those experiencing homelessness like any
other customer. Reporter speaks with Lynsae
Moon, of Nook Cafe, who notes the business
experiences fewer problems with panhandling
thanks to a give-back program for the less
fortunate at Nook.
INTERVIEWED: Ian O’Donnell, Rachel Jones,
Todd Janes
ANALYSIS: Focused on business responses and
how people are affected, Balanced
2019 REPORT 19
CAS 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
physical and/or mental health issues and are
unable to work. Many have no regular
income. Even those on social assistance
typically receive less than $1,000 per month.
So while panhandling may seem disruptive,
irritating, or perhaps even frightening, it’s
important to keep in mind the very vulnerable
person behind the behaviour.
2 Use their name whenever possible. Tell them
you understand why they’re panhandling but
ask if they’d mind not doing so at your place
of work/business.
3 Determine if there’s something you can offer
(i.e. a bottle of water, a place to warm up,
a list of social services). If not, dignity always
goes a long way.

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 ASSOCIATION


WAYS FORWARD
DRIVEN FROM
THE WORKSHOP
CREATE NEW CONNECTIONS
No one agency or policy will address
the root causes of the issues that
affect Downtown Edmonton and
the overall city. Breaking out of
our silos and collaborating is
the best way forward.
WORK ON THE ROOTS
The root causes of one issue are
often the root causes of another
issue. It’s only through a holistic,
everything-on-the-table approach
that we will innovate solutions
that work for everyone.
WAYS FORWA RD
DISPEL MYTHS
Much of the thinking and discussion
on many of the challenges examined
at this workshop are built on myths
or stereotypes. Our challenge is to
actively challenge ourselves
to dispel inaccurate or
judgmental thinking.
CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT
To achieve these aims we must
continually engage with these issues
honestly. We must dedicate enough
resources and we must continue
to expect governments and other
groups to partner us in working
on these challenges.
2019 REPORT 21
WAYS 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
Workshop respondents identified using
infrastructure we already have, such as schools,
to address parts of the challenge.
2. THINK ABOUT ADOPTING
HOUSING FIRST
Accessible housing continually came up as a
needed solution. Research in many jurisdictions
suggests providing accessible housing is powerful
in reducing many of the challenges discussed at
the workshop.
3. EDUCATE EVERYONE
Education programs for those dealing with these
challenges on the front line, those affected by
them as residents and those living them were
repeatedly identified as needed.
4. GET THE BASICS RIGHT
Many noted that challenges are currently at
the “triage” level, meaning front-line people
are needed to respond to them effectively and
properly before they grow into larger issues
that affect more people. Many noted police are
unable to deal with petty theft cases.
22 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
5. ALMOST EVERYTHING HAS A
LINK TO MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health supports were identified,
repeatedly, as being inadequate and in need
of more resources and attention. Nearly each
challenge saw respondents flag mental
health as a root cause.
6. GET CREATIVE
Graffiti and tagging are unwanted elements in
the Downtown, but murals can be a force for
beautification. Why not be creative and channel
this challenge in a way that’s a win-win?
Festivals such as Rust Magic already suggest
this is happening.
7. OPEN OUR EYES
Harassment was identified as a central reason
people limit their interaction with certain places
and areas, and that this harassment is not only
coming from marginalized populations but also
those with affluence and privilege.
8. REPORT ISSUES
Whether someone calls 311, 211, 911 or chooses
another way to report something, ensuring that
we document events accurately is important.
Resource allocation is becoming increasingly
predicated on data.
 THA 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 23
 Safety &
Security
IN DOWN TOWN EDMONTO N

edmontondowntown.com

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24 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION