Calgary targets millions at downtown crime
Last Updated: Thursday, May 11, 2006 | 2:40 PM MT
CBC News
People who live and work in Calgary's inner city say they're pleased the city is finally recognizing the need for more law enforcement in the Beltline and downtown areas.
The city has decided to target $15 million from the recent education tax windfall to combat vandalism downtown and get more police on the streets.
A total of $26 million was freed up when the provincial government decided to take less education tax from the city. Earlier this week council voted to use part of the surplus money for public safety in the core.
"Fifty per cent of all personal and property crimes are occurring in the Beltline and downtown communities," Mayor Dave Bronconnier said. "That is a strong indication to me that you need to address, not ignore."
Crime increasing
Outside Heaven's Fitness on 11th Avenue S.W., broken glass litters the sidewalk – a reminder of a recent smash-and-grab near the popular gym.
Area residents say that petty crimes like car break-ins are becoming much more common.
While Lewis Brown is confident he can take care of himself, he says he would like to see more police in the area.
"I won't let my girlfriend go out after a certain hour without me in the neighbourhood," Brown said.
Carolyn Best, the gym's marketing manager, says the solution is simple, "more police around here more often and able to respond to our calls would certainly help me out."
Critics call plan politically convenient
Bronconnier says he's getting an earful about the growing crime problem.
The mayor and others have long decried the decline in parts of the city area as petty crime and drug use escalates, and Bronconnier says the problem is spreading.
But Bronconnier's critics call the new emphasis on law and order politically convenient.
"This is a tax increase of convenience and unfortunately the police and the firefighters are being used as pawns to tug at people's heartstrings," Alderman Ric McIver said.
Bronconnier plans to meet Thursday with the police commission and Calgary's police chief to discuss how the money will be spent.
The meeting can't come soon enough for antique store owner Sheldon Smithens. His shop is locked at all times and customers must ring a bell to be let in.
Smithens says a few more police officers will go a long way to making the area feel safer.
"Perhaps an officer or two walking the street, maybe knocking on the occasional door and … asking where the problems lie, and possibly where the solutions lie, as well."
Calgary police would not comment on the mayor's crime plan.
