Downtown Safety Leadership Table

Download the latest progress update

The Downtown Safety Leadership Table brought together a group of downtown leaders to help identify ways to address safety in downtown Calgary.

In March 2024, they released 28 recommendations to support safety and vibrancy in Calgary’s downtown:

How we are delivering on the recommendations

We are please to say that work is underway or complete on all 28 recommendations.

Wellbeing of people

View the status of recommendations supporting wellbeing of people

Rec. # Description % Complete (Date complete)
4

Establish daytime resource centres that provide supports and access to services: Continued collaboration with community partners, with a goal of bringing new daytime spaces and programming online by Q4 2024.

100%

(Q4 2025)

5

Update responses to rough sleeping to ensure dignity and safety for all populations in need: City-wide improvements to how unsanctioned structures are identified and addressed with a focus on connecting individuals with resources and improving coordination, tracking and accountability.

100%

(Q4 2024)

9

Coordinate City safety and wellbeing strategies to better align and track recommendations: The City’s Community Safety and Well‑Being team will create a coordinated process to align and track all downtown safety‑related strategies, ensuring they work together without duplication or conflict.

50%

12

Establish a permanent Downtown Safety Table to improve safety and support at-risk populations: A decision on whether to formalize a permanent Downtown Safety Table by Q1 2027.

50%
13

Improve equitable allocation of resources among shelters, first responders and outreach agencies: Best practices review of alternative funding models and recommendations that support community needs.

60%
14

Work with Government of Alberta to improve resources for mental health and addictions: Continued advocacy with partners, more transitional housing, and a plan to explore an IT solution to enable more rapid communication between front-line service providers.

35%
15

Advocate for a Community Court: Ongoing and coordinated advocacy with partners to the Government of Alberta for a Community Court in Calgary.

100%

(Q3 2024)

16

Increase utilization of provincial specialty courts by law enforcement partners: A dedicated multi-partner approach to reducing recidivism with high system users leading to a reduction in social disorder.

100%

(Q4 2024)  

17

Create an easily accessible public-facing communications resource focused on downtown safety: More frequent communications and data regarding downtown safety investments and initiatives from one publicly accessible source by Q1 2025.

90%
18

Develop a coordinated and secure data sharing platform focused on downtown safety: More rapid identification and communication of emerging issues with partners and Calgarians.

80%
20

Increase effective coordination of outreach services downtown: More effective coordination between government and community outreach partners leading to improved service delivery to individuals experiencing vulnerabilities, and safer communities.

50%
22

Support the development of affordable, supportive housing tailored to the needs of Calgarians: Progress on Home is Here – The City’s Housing Strategy and support for the housing sector to deliver services to those in housing need.

100%

(Q4 2024)

24

Resource grassroots/community-led groups that support people experiencing vulnerabilities: Continued funding for non-profit and grassroots organizations and ongoing advocacy to other orders of government for increased funding to sustain and expand services.

50%
25

Advocate for service hub models and funding for shelters that serve vulnerable people: Advocacy to other orders of government to ensure mental health, addiction, and health services, as well as housing options, are available to Calgarians accessing or leaving shelters.

100%

(Q4 2025)

26

Create Indigenous recovery supports that reflect a culturally informed continuum of care: Continued investment in community partners that provide culturally informed programs for individuals and families and ongoing advocacy to other orders of government to advance Indigenous recovery supports.

20%
27

Provide additional resource supports and opportunities for Indigenous serving organizations: Continued support for Indigenous and Indigenous-serving organizations with a focus on investments in programming that delivers downtown activations and fosters connection to the natural world.

15%
28

Seek opportunities to enhance supports for youth entering into adult shelter systems: A commitment to work with government partners to ensure individuals transitioning through life stages receive uninterrupted and appropriate supports.

10%

Great public spaces

View the status of recommendations supporting great public spaces

Rec. # Description % Complete (Date complete)
 1

Improve maintenance, cleanliness, and infrastructure to enhance the downtown experience: More proactive and consistent cleaning and maintenance of parks and public spaces, making downtown more welcoming and inviting.

100%

(Q2 2025)

2

Deliver crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) studies of high-risk hotspots: A CPTED implementation plan to ensure physical design principles are applied to improve real and perceived safety in public spaces.

100%

(Q4 2025)

3

Improve downtown public washrooms availability and access: A comprehensive city-wide Public Washroom Strategy with recommended actions to improve washroom safety, cleanliness, and accessibility.

80%

7

Improve the Plus 15 network through assessment: Improved information-sharing, coordination, and response to immediate and chronic public safety concerns across the Plus 15 network.

75%

8

Support event activations downtown to enhance safety and nurture vibrant, inclusive spaces:Expanded funding and more downtown activations leading to greater vibrancy and increased visitation to the downtown.

100%

(Q4 2025)

10

Establish a dedicated fund for downtown and safety initiatives: Consistent and predictable funding to bolster community programming and safety improvements in the downtown public realm.

50%

19

Form a Downtown Maintenance and Safety Team that supports downtown safety and vibrancy: Continued investments in downtown cleaning and safety to ensure residents, businesses and visitors feel safe.

100%

(Q4 2024)

23

Advance the Indigenous Gathering Place (IGP) and other Indigenous places to gather: Strong partnership on the Indigenous Gathering Place initiative and opportunities to experience Indigenous cultural programs hosted out of Indigenous structures at downtown festivals and events.

30%

Timely response

View the status of recommendations supporting timely response

 Rec. # Description % Complete (Date complete)
 6

Enhance police and uniform presence to meet community needs: A district front counter in the downtown that is accessible to the public; continued investment in the Safety Hub model that allows uniformed officers to work collaboratively from centralized locations in areas with high calls for service.

100%

(Q4 2024)

11

Audit existing HELP buttons to identify opportunities to improve or expand: An analysis of a HELP Button system with recommendations to improve the existing system or explore new emergency alert options

25%
21

Improve coordination of policing and enforcement services: A reduction in social disorder resulting from a more streamlined, efficient, and coordinated deployment of policing, enforcement and social services in the downtown.

100%

(Q4 2024)