Calgary Chamber encouraged by Downtown Safety Leadership Table recommendations

Calgary, March 6, 2024 – The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see the report presented by the Downtown Safety Leader Table (DSLT), and we commend the collaborative work of the DSLT, bringing together businesses, community partners, the social sector and government. The recommendations tabled work to ensure downtown is safe, vibrant and remains a place for Calgary’s business community to grow.

“The economic impact of safety is far-reaching. Ensuring Calgary is safe is critical to our economic success, and affects large and small businesses alike,” says Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “It is our collective responsibility to address safety in Calgary, and today’s recommendations highlight the need for governments, community and business to work together to support the most vulnerable.”

In particular, the Calgary Chamber supports recommendations that enhance cleanliness and physical safety infrastructure, help businesses purchase and access safety measures, develop plans to work with building owners and businesses to enhance safety for employees, bolster police and uniform presence downtown including plans for a downtown District Office to reduce barriers to reporting, increase community activations that bring people downtown, and continue to advance initiatives related to mental health, addictions and housing affordability.

At the Calgary Chamber, we envision a city that is safe, secure and vibrant, enabling people to live, work, play and conduct business with confidence. Enhancing public safety in Calgary will ensure businesses can attract the customers and talent they need to succeed, while supporting their bottom-line by alleviating vandalism and theft.

We encourage the City of Calgary to action the recommendations outlined in the DSLT Outcomes and Recommendations report, recognizing the importance of safety on the economic well-being of Calgary businesses.

About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

Media opportunities

For media inquiries, please contact Shannon Hazlett, Senior Public Relations Advisor, at media@calgarychamber.com.