The Association Aims To Improve Safety In Downtown Calgary – Calgary | The Canadian News

Visitors and residents of downtown Calgary are likely to notice more peace officers in the area over the next several years, thanks to a new initiative aimed at improving security.

Stephen Avenue Safety Hub is a central downtown location where officers from the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Community Standards, and Calgary Transit will coordinate their efforts as part of a two-year pilot project.

The center is not intended to be a police station, but rather a place where officers can complete paperwork, store equipment, and have facilities like restrooms.

“In recent years, we have been open to the conversation of a police facility returning to the core. However, the costs have been prohibitive and had not been part of the strategic planning of our facilities due to other pressures, ”said District 1 Insp. Clare Smart.

“As a result, there had not been a feasible option for immediate consideration until this generous opportunity presented itself. This facility will open the doors to new possibilities, stronger partnerships, and more community involvement. “

The center, located at 230 8 Ave. SW, is free to organizations, and Slate Asset Management and the Calgary Downtown Association donated the space for a year.

Operating costs of $ 2.5 million over two years have been allocated by the Calgary city council, the city said.

“The Downtown Ambassador program, a partnership between the city and the Calgary Downtown Association to provide a welcoming and safe presence downtown, will also be funded for the next two years.”

The city said the center will not be a public information site at any point during the pilot project. Individuals must still report incidents via the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, at the District 1 Police Station at 1010 26 Ave. SE, or online. If there is an ongoing emergency, people are encouraged to call 911.