Edmonton allocates $5M from province towards transit safety
Posted September 14, 2023 3:09 pm.
The City of Edmonton is dolling out $5 million from the province to transit safety and cleanliness.
Making the announcement Thursday, the city says the funding will allow for the renovation of two vacant cafes into work stations, as well as system-wide improvements to LRT stations.
In addition, the funding will allow for more frequent cleaning, upgrading 700 doors and windows — which will help prevent property damage, and 25 new security cameras.
“Safety is a shared responsibility, and this investment is a blueprint for how we can work together,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “Each of these projects will make a tangible difference and also reflects the collaborative work happening across the transit system.”
One of the cafes the city is looking to transform into a new deployment hub is located on the south end of Churchill Square. The city says it’s aiming for the hub to be for peace officers and Transit Peace Officers (TPOs) to be able to work with Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Transit Community Safety teams (TRACS).
“EPS TRACS officers and TPOs have been working together for several months,” said Insp. Angela Kemp, Crime Suppression Branch, EPS. “We still have work to do, but our presence is beginning to make a positive impact on transit safety and we will continue to keep our efforts up.”
The other former cafe is inside the Central LRT Station. The goal for this location is to create a new space for the Community Outreach Transit Team (COTT) — a partnership between the City of Edmonton and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.
“When vulnerable people turn to transit spaces, COTT offers a compassionate approach focused on solutions,” said Robbie Kaboni, Manager of COTT Outreach Workers, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. “This permanent station will create a space to build on established trust, helping bridge people to outside supports.”
