EDMONTON – Capital Towers used to be known as “Crack Towers” because of all the drug-related violence it housed. Now, thanks to a community partnership, calls to police have been reduced by 98 per cent.
By the time Edmonton’s first homicide of 2013 happened in Capital Towers in January, the building was already a huge concern for police.
Crime was continuing to rise at the high-rise at 100 Street and 106 Avenue, and violence, victimization, and calls to police had escalated to 100 calls a month.
The crime and disorder was negatively impacting the communities surrounding the apartment building, including the McCauley neighbourhood.
So, in February, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) began working on a plan with the McCauley Revitalization Working Group and the managers and owners of Capital Towers to address and remove the causes of the criminal activity in the building.
The project involved three phases:
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- An assessment of the building and tenants was undertaken in February, 2013. The most vulnerable “at risk” residents and the most active suites/individuals responsible for attracting and committing violent crime, were identified.
- A long-term sustainable plan was developed and implemented to support vulnerable tenants through the intervention, relocation and care of those at risk of victimization. The plan also dealt with those individuals responsible for attracting criminal activity, through enforcement or relocation far away from the building and vulnerable targets.
- The third phase involved working with building management, owners of the building and Safety Codes Edmonton to determine a long term solution that would mitigate risk and vulnerability to the residents of Capital Towers. As a result, suites are being renovated and security of the building has been substantially improved in the common areas, the entrance, and in the elevators. A new facade will soon adorn the building, representing internal and external improvements and sending the message that Capital Towers will not tolerate criminal activity.
Police say the project has made a huge difference. Calls for police service have gone from 100 calls a month in March to just two calls for help in the entire month of July.
“A wrap up survey has been conducted and the results show a huge increase in resident perception of safety and security,” say EPS Community Liaison Sgt. Ray Akbar, Downtown Division. “Tenants now feel safe enough to get involved in the process of revitalizing Capital Towers. They are excited about the improvements and optimistic about the future.”
The City of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services and Capital Towers management all worked with the EPS on this project.
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