Live:Calls for Change in the Downtown and Beltline to Enhance Public Safety

Sonya Sharp live Reporting;

The supervised consumption site located at the corner of Twelfth Avenue and Fourth Street has been a point of contention for the community, with many residents expressing concerns about the impact it has had on the area. As a mayoral candidate, it is essential to acknowledge the severity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive solution. The current state of the community, with increased property damage, vandalism, and a lack of safety, is unacceptable and requires immediate attention.

It is crucial to recognize that mental health, addictions, and social supports are provincial responsibilities, and the city's role is to support the work being done by the province. However, the city cannot simply stand by and watch as the community suffers. The supervised consumption site has been in operation for years, and despite its intentions, it has had severe consequences for the community.

As a mayoral candidate, I am committed to finding a solution that addresses the concerns of the community while also providing support for individuals struggling with addiction. Closing the supervised consumption site is a necessary step towards restoring safety and quality of life to the community. However, it is essential to have a plan in place for what happens next, including providing support for individuals with addiction and working with the province to identify alternative solutions.

The city's role is to ensure that public spaces are safe, clean, and livable. This means having the courage to acknowledge when something is not working and taking steps to address the issue. In this case, it is clear that the supervised consumption site is not meeting its intended goals, and it is time for a change.

Decentralizing services and tailoring them to the specific needs of the population is a crucial step towards finding a solution. Concentrating services in one area can create more problems than it solves, and it is essential to explore alternative approaches that prioritize the needs of the community.

As mayor, I would invite the Premier of Alberta, the police chief, and the CEO of the drop-in center to City Hall for an initial discussion on finding a better way forward. Collaboration is vital in addressing this issue, and it is essential to work together to find a solution that prioritizes the needs of the community.

The city can act as a facilitator, providing support for new policies and plans, and working with the province to find alternative solutions. It is time to stop ignoring the issues and start working towards a better future for the community. The residents, families, and small businesses that contribute to this community deserve respect and support, and it is our responsibility as leaders to provide it.

In conclusion, the supervised consumption site has had a devastating impact on the community, and it is time for a change. As a mayoral candidate, I am committed to finding a solution that prioritizes the needs of the community, provides support for individuals with addiction, and works towards a better future for all. By working together and exploring alternative approaches, we can create a safer, cleaner, and more livable community for everyone.

The issue at hand is complex, and it will require a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of the problem. However, by acknowledging the severity of the issue, working together, and prioritizing the needs of the community, we can create a better future for all. It is time to stop talking about the problem and start working towards a solution. The community deserves it, and it is our responsibility as leaders to provide it.

In the coming weeks and months, I will be working closely with the community, the province, and other stakeholders to find a solution that works for everyone. I will be hosting town hall meetings, meeting with community leaders, and working with experts to find a comprehensive solution to the issue. I am committed to finding a solution that prioritizes the needs of the community and provides support for individuals struggling with addiction.

The supervised consumption site is just one part of a larger issue, and it will require a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of the problem. However, by working together and prioritizing the needs of the community, we can create a safer, cleaner, and more livable community for everyone. I am committed to finding a solution that works for everyone and provides a better future for the community.

As a mayoral candidate, I am committed to being a leader who listens to the community, works with the province, and finds solutions that prioritize the needs of the community. I will not ignore the issues or pretend that they do not exist. Instead, I will work tirelessly to find solutions that work for everyone and provide a better future for the community. The residents, families, and small businesses that contribute to this community deserve respect and support, and it is our responsibility as leaders to provide it.

The time for change is now, and I am committed to being a part of it. I will work closely with the community, the province, and other stakeholders to find a comprehensive solution to the issue. I will be a leader who listens, who works tirelessly to find solutions, and who prioritizes the needs of the community. The supervised consumption site is just one part of a larger issue, and it will require a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of the problem. However, by working together and prioritizing the needs of the community, we can create a safer, cleaner, and more livable community for everyone.