In our ongoing commitment to public safety, The City is announcing $1.9 million to support our Civic Partners in improving safety in and around their facilities.
The new funding comes as a result of a one-time investment made by Council in November 2023 to create a grant program that helps The City’s Civic Partners located downtown and near transit with community safety, crime prevention and intervention, as well as connect people experiencing vulnerabilities with the resources they need.
“Our Civic Partners provide important programs and services downtown and near transit and contribute to the vibrancy of our downtown. We want to ensure they can focus their resources on providing their essential services,” says Lori Kerr, Manager, Major Partners. “We know with these funds our Civic Partner spaces will continue to be safe for staff, customers and all Calgarians.”
The Civic Partner Community Safety Grant Program is one of many investments, strategies, plans and partner programs Council has made to improve safety in our city. The program bolsters investment Council already made towards the Public Transit Safety Strategy, including increased CCTV surveillance and upgraded lighting on CTrain platforms and recruitment of 65 new transit peace officers – 12 of which graduated on Feb. 23, 2024.
Seven Civic Partners qualified for the funding grant. From new lights and cameras to more security staff, Civic Partners will use the funding to resolve and improve safety concerns inside and around their facilities, which are City-owned facilities and one of the criteria to be qualified for the grant.
“By collaborating with our partners, we are able to address the complex challenges in our downtown with compassion,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “A key priority for Council is supporting and investing in Civic Partners such as libraries, arts and community organizations to keep their spaces safe and welcoming for Calgarians.”
The following is a breakdown of the approved grants by civic partner:
Organization Funding
Calgary Public Library Board $750,000
Contemporary Calgary Arts Society $207,499
Arts Commons $185,955
Fort Calgary Preservation Society $130,000
MNP Community & Sport Centre $85,000
Calgary TELUS Convention Centre $484,400
Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research $50,000
“We are pleased to see The City increasing resources for downtown partners who continue to manage challenging safety issues,” says CEO of the Calgary Public Library Sarah Meilleur. “These additional funds will help us to expand staff training, enhance existing safety tools and increase security staff capacity.”
The City has 28 Civic Partners who steward Council-approved strategies, manage and operate City-owned facilities, as well as provide important programs and services to all Calgarians.
