Safety in Ward Dene: A Local Strategy for Safer Streets

1. 🛡️ Safety in Ward Dene: A Local Strategy for Safer Streets

No one should feel unsafe in their hometown. Yet too many in Ward Dene report anxiety walking home at night, dropping kids off at school, or waiting at bus stops. At the same time, Edmonton’s overall crime stats mask concerning trends: violent crime increased 1.8% last year, and firearm-related incidents surged by 16% . These aren’t just numbers—they reflect real worries from real people.

Violent and firearm-related incidents are rising across Edmonton. While city-wide crime is down marginally, headlines out of Ward Dene tell a different story. As community watchers and residents are seeing or hearing about break-ins, vandalism, and unsafe encounters on transit—without a neighbourhood-specific response plan.

Incumbent Councillor Aaron Paquette has supported broad safety initiatives but has failed to address unique Ward Dene concerns: no local crime maps, no monthly safety meetings, no collaborative solutions with EPS.

We need a city council to work with EPS and the community to increase patrol on transit and in crime-risk areas to make the people of Edmonton feel safe using transit services or walking in their own neighbourhoods.