Albertans leaving Edmonton due to growing violence
Posted September 15, 2023 3:24 pm.
Last Updated September 16, 2023 10:40 am.
Experience with crime and disorder in and around transit has left a former Edmontonian feeling anxious about visiting the city.
Sherry Lynn Szostak sold her home near the Clairview LRT station two years ago and says an experience riding the LRT, is still impacting her mental health.
“I visit my mom, and I stay only a couple of hours and I can’t wait to get on the highway and get out of Edmonton.”
“We can walk to the LRT, then we were accosted by a gentleman on drugs apparently. Who my husband did not give a cigarette to, and he tried to slice my husband’s neck,” explained Szostak.
Edmonton police have seen an increase in violence on transit since the pandemic.
Just this week, EPS reported on X, formally known as Twitter, that they arrested a man, who had allegedly stabbed an elderly woman on the way to catch a bus on 82nd Ave. after she greeted him pleasantly.
On Sept. 10 an elderly woman kindly greeted a male in his 20s while on her way to catch the bus on 82 Ave. The male, impaired by drugs, stabbed her without provocation. The woman was brought to hospital for treatment & has since been released. The suspect is charged & in custody.
— Edmonton Police (@edmontonpolice) September 15, 2023
This week, Edmonton announced that part of a $5 million investment will go towards new ‘hubs’ for police and social workers downtown hoping the visibility of police will help decrease crime and make people feel safer.
“With resource restraints, we also have to divide and conquer. Have TPOS in some places, but we do focus on the transit stations that have the highest disorder,” said Inspector Angela Kemp, EPS Crime Suppression Branch.
Szosta now lives outside Edmonton — in Parkland County — and she’s met others with similar journeys.
“I’ve spoken to homeless people, that’s why he left. Because he was being beaten up for his possessions,” she explained.
Pointing to the need for more affordable housing and shelter space — Thursday, the mayor reacted to a letter from the Federal Housing Minister to Calgary, saying in order to get housing dollars from Ottawa, they would need to change zoning to make it easier for builders.
“Since the 90’s we have not invested enough or done enough in housing removing barriers, and here we are 25 years later in a crisis. So I welcome the challenge,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi
The mayor says Edmonton will be ready if we get a similar letter.
