Central Edmonton residents are expressing concern about the easy accessibility of weapons, particularly knives, in their area. Former city councillor Allan Bolstad and Arts on the Ave executive director Christy Morin are among those leading the charge to bring restrictions on the sale of such weapons. They have observed switchblade knives and other edged weapons being readily available in convenience stores, with Morin even purchasing two knives herself to demonstrate how easy it was. The groups are particularly worried about the implications of such accessibility in a city core that is home to many vulnerable individuals struggling with homelessness and addiction. The normalization of carrying weapons among kids in central Edmonton is also a growing concern for the community.
The issue of knife violence is not limited to one street or neighborhood, as evidenced by a fatal stabbing incident near a convenience store. Nunu Desalgne, a business owner in the area, has witnessed the impact of such violence and is calling for change to create a safer environment for her children and other residents. Desalgne, along with other business owners, is advocating for stricter regulations on the sale of knives in corner stores in order to curb violence in the area. They believe that restricting the sale of knives in these stores can be a first step towards addressing the issue and ensuring the safety of all Edmontonians.
Residents and community leagues in central Edmonton are planning to bring their concerns to a city council meeting and are calling for a change in the bylaw surrounding the sale of knives. Bolstad, who was a city councillor from 1992 to 2004, suggests that while an outright ban on knives is a federal jurisdiction, the city can restrict what types of items can be sold in retail stores through their business license rules. The group is pushing for a stronger bylaw that prohibits the sale of knives in corner stores, similar to the restrictions on firearms and alcohol. The issue is set to be discussed at an urban planning committee meeting, and Ward Metis councillor Ashley Salvador is interested in exploring what tools are available within the city’s control to address the community concerns.
The group led by Arts on the Ave and the Alberta Avenue Community League is organizing a meeting to discuss their next steps in advocating for restrictions on the sale of knives. They hope to bring their concerns to the attention of city officials and work towards creating a safer environment for all residents. Salvador, the councillor for the area, has been hearing from constituents and community members about the issue and is open to exploring opportunities within the city’s control to address the concerns. There is a growing awareness and desire among residents to address the issue of knife accessibility in the community, and stakeholders are hopeful that they can work together to find solutions that prioritize public safety.
In response to the concerns raised by residents and community members, the city of Edmonton is considering potential changes to the bylaw surrounding the sale of knives in retail stores. While there are limitations on what the city can regulate before federal legislation comes into play, there is a willingness among city officials to address the issue at the local level. The focus is on finding ways to restrict the sale of knives in corner stores, where they are currently easily accessible. The goal is to create a safer environment for all residents, particularly in areas where vulnerable populations are at risk due to the prevalence of weapons. The upcoming discussions at the urban planning committee and city council meeting will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to explore potential solutions and take steps towards implementing necessary changes.
