A Safe City: How Current Work & Initiatives Are Keeping Our Communities Safe
Northeast Edmonton is a community with strength and resilience. We’ve faced real challenges — homelessness, housing affordability, and social disorder — but we’re not standing still. While these issues stem from broader, systemic issues, we’re focusing on what we can do now to ensure everyone feels safe and supported. Leadership requires honesty about difficulties and a commitment to working together to create meaningful change.
That’s why I’ve taken action.
From hosting community safety meetings to building partnerships with social agencies, police, and residents, I’m working to make sure our neighbourhoods remain safe, strong, and connected. This blog outlines the steps we’re taking as a City, the progress we’re making as a community, and the resources available to you. Together, we’re creating a Northeast Edmonton that reflects the care and compassion of its people.
1. Understanding the Challenges
Northeast Edmonton is growing rapidly. Over 100,000 new residents have arrived in the past two years, and another 50,000 expected this year. This kind of growth brings vitality to our city, but it also puts pressure on our services and infrastructure. Unlike higher levels of government, cities rely on property taxes — not population growth — for revenue. That means it takes time to absorb the financial strain of new residents, especially as housing costs rise and affordability becomes an increasing concern.
At the same time, provincial infrastructure funding has been cut dramatically, creating an approximately $270 million annual gap in Edmonton’s budget (that is incredibly massive). This funding was essential to maintaining the services and infrastructure that growing cities need, and its loss has left us with hard decisions to make. These cuts, coupled with an affordability crisis, the opioid epidemic, and gaps in mental health and addiction services, along with the loss of the previous Grants In Place of Taxes (GIPOT) the province used to allocate for municipalities, have led to visible challenges in our neighborhoods.
While these issues are complex, I want to reassure you that I’m not waiting for someone else to fix them. We’re stepping up!
2. Focused Solutions for Northeast Edmonton
When faced with challenges like these, I focus on the safety, health, and well-being of our people first. It’s not about blame; it’s about taking responsibility and getting to work. Here’s how we’re doing that in northeast Edmonton:
Edmonton Police Service is working to strengthen safety in our neighborhoods with community-focused programs. Their dedicated beat teams provide a visible presence to deter crime and address social disorder. Programs like the HELP (Human Centred Engagement and Liaison Partnership) unit connect vulnerable individuals to support services before they reach a crisis point, and encampment response teams work alongside community partners to address these spaces with care and safety in mind.
Transit safety has been a priority, and I’ve worked with Council and the City’s transit team to roll out the Enhanced Transit Safety Plan. This includes increased Peace Officers and police presence, Community Outreach Transit Teams(COTT) connecting individuals to housing and services, and improved infrastructure like thousands of security cameras and soon-to-be-added cell service in underground LRT stations. These measures are designed not only to reduce crime but to ensure riders feel safe and supported. Already, we have seen the impact: a marked reduction in incidents at stations.
The Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET) is empowering residents and businesses to address safety concerns in their own communities. By working directly with people on the ground, this team is helping create solutions tailored to each neighborhood’s unique needs.
REACH Edmonton continues to lead collaborative efforts across the city, from organizing neighborhoods to co-designing community safety plans, to operating the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Program. This work not only helps vulnerable individuals find the resources they need but also eases the pressure on police and emergency services.
3. Resources for You
Leadership also means ensuring residents have access to the tools and resources that make a difference in their lives. Key supports include:
311 for non-emergency city services and information.
211 for social, health, and government supports (dial 211 or text INFO to 211).
C5 North East Hub, which provides housing, mental health, and employment support.
4. Moving Forward Together
I know the challenges we’re facing can feel overwhelming at times. But I want you to know this: we’re not just managing problems; we’re actively building a path forward. By focusing on solutions, fostering collaboration, and centering the well-being of our community, we’re ensuring that Northeast Edmonton remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
I see the strength and care in this community every day, and that’s what gives me hope. Together, we will meet these challenges, and we will create a future that reflects the best of who we are. Let’s keep building together, the strength and resilience of our communities lies in the ability for neighbours to come together and meet the challenges we face head on.
