Today, the Calgary Party released its Public Safety Toolkit — a bold, practical plan to tackle the rising safety concerns, public disorder, and addiction-related challenges facing Calgary’s downtown core.
“Calgarians are tired of the excuses. We all see what’s happening downtown and we know we can do better,” said Brian Thiessen, leader of the Calgary Party. “This toolkit offers real solutions rooted in compassion, accountability, and common sense — so our downtown can once again be a place people want to live, work, visit, and invest in.”
The Calgary Police Service’s 2024 Community Perceptions Survey makes it clear: Calgarians are increasingly concerned about safety, especially when it comes to drug use, homelessness, and transit. The top concerns include:
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Illegal drug activity and public drug use
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Transit and CTrain safety
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Property crime, vehicle theft, and rising personal crime
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Public disorder in shared spaces, especially where addictions and homelessness are visible
While 85% of Calgarians remain satisfied with CPS services, that number hasn’t improved in two years and sits at its lowest level since 2008. Confidence that police can deliver the services needed to keep Calgary safe is also at its lowest point on record.
The Downtown Public Safety Toolkit proposes a three-pillar strategy to reverse these trends:
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Reform Municipal Bylaws: Set clear expectations for public behaviour, crack down on open drug use and unsafe encampments, and give peace officers and police the tools they need to enforce those rules.
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Revitalize Stephen Avenue and the Downtown Core: Invest in safety, cleanliness, and accessibility, including increased police presence, dedicated sanitation crews, and permanent public washrooms.
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Expand Support for Vulnerable Populations: Move from shelter-based responses to a housing-first approach, co-locate 24/7 mental health and addictions response with law enforcement, and decentralize services across the city.
“People are telling us they feel least safe on the LRT or when sharing public space with individuals struggling with addiction or homelessness,” said Thiessen. “We cannot keep pretending this isn’t a crisis. We need to restore safety and dignity — both matter.”
The Calgary Party is calling for urgent municipal leadership to implement reforms that reduce street disorder, accelerate access to housing and mental health supports, and give police and first responders the clarity and resources they need.
“Downtown Calgary should be a place of pride — a thriving economic engine and cultural heart of our city,” Thiessen added. “With leadership and the right plan, we can get there.”
Click here to read the full toolkit.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview:
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