A two-year pilot project aimed at addressing crime and social disorder in Edmonton’s Chinatown is coming to an end, as the community and the city work to maintain the area’s revitalization efforts. The Healthy Streets Operation Centre was launched in 2022 as a collaborative initiative involving Edmonton police, social workers, and other front-line staff. The pilot project was intended to collect information on crime-related incidents in the neighbourhood and build trust and confidence within the community to address social disorder. While the pilot project will be wrapping up in December, community members like Sandy Pon, chair of the Chinatown Transformative Collaborative, believe it has made a difference and strengthened the relationship between community members and service workers.
Some community members have reported that the Healthy Streets Operation Centre has not only improved safety in the area but has also seen an increase in visitors returning to the neighbourhood. Phong Luu, the owner of Kim Fat Market Ltd., who has experienced vandalism and break-ins at his store, commends the work of the operation centre. Luu notes that the presence of peace officers, Edmonton Police Service members, and firefighters has helped deter crime and create a sense of security for everyone in the community. However, Luu acknowledges that there is still more work to be done to address issues faced by business owners, such as reducing operating hours to ensure staff and family safety.
Restaurant owner Hoay Tang also believes there needs to be more focus on supporting Edmonton’s homeless community, as disorder in the neighbourhood has escalated, resulting in a decrease in customers and safety concerns. Tang points out that his restaurant used to be full when he first opened in 2010, but has since lost 70 percent of its customers. Despite the challenges faced by businesses and community members, the Edmonton Police Service has pledged to continue supporting the area through the Healthy Streets Operations funding. Community Safety Teams, a component of the operation involving police officers and AHS paramedics, will remain dedicated to the area for the foreseeable future.
In a statement, Edmonton police spokesperson Cheryl Voordenhout emphasized the importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches in addressing community safety and wellness concerns. She also highlighted the efficiencies identified during the Healthy Streets Operation Centre that are helping EPS develop strategies to address similar issues throughout the city. Additionally, the city council approved the transfer of over $400,000 from the Downtown Vibrancy Fund to the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund to support the long-term revitalization strategy for Chinatown. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi emphasized the need to reinvest in Chinatown, which has been neglected for decades, and expressed gratitude for the loyal customers who have supported local businesses throughout these challenging times.
Phong Luu, the owner of Kim Fat Market Ltd., credits his loyal customers for keeping his business afloat and hopes that with the safety improvements seen in the past two years, more Edmontonians will return to Chinatown to support the community. Luu stresses the importance of community support in keeping Chinatown vibrant and thriving. Despite the challenges faced by business owners and residents, there is optimism for the future of Chinatown, with the continuation of collaborative efforts to address safety, wellness, and revitalization in the neighbourhood. The conclusion of the pilot project is seen as an opportunity to build on the progress made so far and to address the ongoing issues faced by Chinatown.
