A Calgary city councillor says a new approach is needed when it comes to dealing with crime at transit stations.
Norman Wardlaw has lived in Briar Hill for the past 50 years and regularly walks from his home to nearby North Hill Centre and to the Louise Riley Library through Lions Park.
He says it’s not uncommon to see the police or paramedics dealing with individuals who are impaired by drugs or alcohol or are in need of some kind of help.
“There are quite a few incidents at that LRT station. There’s no doubt,” Wardlaw said. “The police are not necessarily the answer. It’s more medical.”
On Feb. 13 at 3 p.m., a 46-year-old man was standing outside the Louise Riley Library when police say he saw two suspects he believed were trying to sell drugs.
According to police, the victim asked the suspects to leave the area when a fight started and the victim was stabbed.
On March 28, a woman suffered life-threatening injuries after being stabbed during a brawl at the Lions Park C Train station.
Calgary police said it was not a random attack and that it’s believed “several” of the individuals involved are known to each other. A woman has since been charged with one count of aggravated assault.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek responded to the train station violence saying she expects immediate action from city administration and increased resources at transit stations.
The councillor for the area says the incident is tragic and the city needs to do more to provide Calgarians greater safety.
Terry Wong points out that council has given two consecutive budget and resource increases to Calgary police and Calgary Transit.
He says a new approach is needed that includes community activities.
“In other words, letting communities activate the area through pop-ups and art events, performances and bring in better amenities, whether it be street furniture or benches,” said Wong who is also a former president of the Hounsfield Heights/Briar Hill Community Association.
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Wong points to places like the River Walk in East Village with its Hygge Hut and C-Square concerts.
“Whether it’s furniture or lighting or creating public washrooms, we need to create places that are inviting for everybody and … supportive for all. The East Village is one of those examples,” Wong said.
Shrubs have now been removed at Lions Park and improved lighting was installed this month.
The Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill Community Association has also attempted to encourage more public use of the park space with bike ramps.
Wong said nearby housing and social support for vulnerable people are also required.
“We need to create a culture of understanding, empathy and of support. The library, Lions Park, North Hill Shopping Centre, the community centre and the fire hall. This is the confluence of a lot of different amenities and opportunities,” Wong said.
“We need to ensure that the area is safe. Safety is a combination of being clean and being secure. It takes a coordinated effort. We need all to come together.”
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