As Calgary’s downtown core continues to grow and evolve, the need for robust security services has never been more critical. Security Services in Calgary Downtown play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors. With a rapidly expanding population, it’s essential to address the unique challenges and opportunities that come with urban development. Ensuring the safety and security of this vibrant area is a top priority for both private security firms and local law enforcement.
Calgary is taking a significant step towards improving public safety in the downtown core by earmarking $1.9 million for enhanced security measures. This strategic investment aims to create a safer environment around key facilities near Calgary Transit lines.
The one-time funding will be used to implement several critical improvements, including increased lighting, additional security personnel, and the installation of advanced surveillance cameras. These enhancements are designed to address and mitigate the growing concerns over social disorder and crime that have been escalating in recent years.
In response to the rising safety issues in the downtown core and along the LRT lines, various measures have been undertaken, including provincial funding to bolster police patrols. Additionally, task forces have been established to explore and develop comprehensive solutions. This concerted effort underscores the city’s commitment to ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors.
Let’s explore the various security services available in Calgary’s downtown, focusing on the unique requirements of different buildings and areas within this urban landscape.
The Core Shopping Centre
The Core Shopping Centre is one of the most prominent retail spaces in downtown Calgary, featuring a wide array of stores and eateries. It features the Devonian Gardens, an indoor botanical garden with tropical plants and exotic fish, alongside a diverse range of luxury and popular retail stores. It offers a variety of dining options and is connected to Calgary’s Plus 15 Skywalk system for convenient downtown access.
Given its high foot traffic, the security services at The Core are comprehensive and multifaceted.
The role of the security service at The Core is to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors. Security personnel patrol the premises 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with an increased presence during busier times. Uniformed, licensed, and radio-equipped security staff are always moving within the mall and its parking facilities, providing visibility and assistance as needed.
Services Available At The Core Shopping Centre
The security services provided at The Core include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting visitors in locating their vehicles.
- Providing first aid for any injuries or illnesses, including CPR and on-site defibrillators.
- Helping locate lost children.
- Operating a lost and found property program.
- Ensuring personal safety through escorts and consistent, uniformed patrols.
Mobile Patrol Duties At The Core
Regular patrols are conducted to deter crime, identify suspicious behavior, and assist shoppers throughout the shopping center, including the outer areas. A dedicated security dispatcher monitors an advanced closed-circuit camera system that observes both the interior and exterior of The Core. This dispatcher also handles all incoming telephone calls for security assistance. Security personnel are thoroughly trained to handle any situation that may arise, acting as a crucial link between The Core and the Calgary Police Service as well as other emergency services.
Stephen Avenue Walk
Stephen Avenue Walk is a historic pedestrian mall in downtown Calgary, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, dining, and nightlife. The avenue features beautifully preserved historic buildings, a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, and hosts numerous festivals and events, making it a lively cultural hub. Historic buildings include:
The Grain Exchange Building
Constructed in 1909, this building reflects the prosperity of Calgary’s early 20th-century grain industry. Its distinctive architecture features sandstone facades and intricate detailing.
The Hudson’s Bay Company Department Store
Opened in 1913, this grand department store is an iconic landmark on Stephen Avenue. The building’s classical design and prominent position make it a key historical and commercial site.
The Canada Life Assurance Building
Built in 1913, this building exemplifies early skyscraper architecture in Calgary. Its Edwardian style and use of sandstone make it a significant part of the avenue’s historic landscape.
The Calgary Public Building
Completed in 1931, this Art Deco structure served as a major civic building. Its impressive design and historical significance add to the avenue’s charm.
The Burns Building
Erected in 1913 by meatpacking magnate Pat Burns, this building is known for its Beaux-Arts architecture and historical importance in Calgary’s commercial development.
East Village
East Village is a vibrant urban neighbourhood located in East downtown Calgary, offering a seamless blend of city life and nature. This dynamic area is perfect for walking, biking, shopping, and connecting with the best that Calgary has to offer.
East Village is home to an array of attractions, including stylish shops, diverse dining options, and innovative public spaces. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the scenic RiverWalk, a picturesque pathway that runs alongside the Bow River, or visit the historic Simmons Building, which houses some of the city’s finest culinary establishments.
The neighbourhood also boasts cultural landmarks such as the National Music Centre and the Central Library, both architectural marvels and hubs of community engagement. With its thoughtfully designed parks, like St. Patrick’s Island and Fort Calgary, East Village provides ample opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, East Village offers a unique and enriching urban experience, combining the convenience of modern living with the charm of Calgary’s natural landscape.
Comprehensive Surveillance and Patrols
To maintain a secure environment, East Village employs advanced surveillance systems and regular patrols. Surveillance cameras are strategically placed throughout the neighbourhood, including residential areas, commercial spaces, and public parks. These cameras are monitored to ensure quick response to any suspicious activity.
A visible security presence is crucial in deterring crime and providing assistance. Uniformed security personnel patrol East Village on foot and by vehicle, offering a reassuring presence and ready assistance for residents and visitors. These security officers are licensed, trained, and equipped with radios to ensure prompt communication and response.
Access Control Measures
Security services in East Village also include strict access control measures for residential and commercial buildings. Secure entrances with keycard entry systems help prevent unauthorized access, enhancing the safety of the community. This is particularly important for residential developments and commercial spaces.
Community Engagement and Safety Programs
Engaging with the community is a vital part of the security strategy in East Village. Security services often work closely with residents, business owners, and local law enforcement to foster a cooperative approach to safety. Safety programs and workshops may be conducted to educate the community on crime prevention and personal safety measures.
Event Security
East Village frequently hosts cultural events, festivals, and public gatherings. Security services are enhanced during these times, with additional personnel and resources allocated to manage crowds and ensure the safety of all attendees. Detailed event security plans are developed to address potential risks and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Security Services in Calgary Downtown – Conclusion
The Calgary Downtown Association unveiled a comprehensive report featuring 28 recommendations aimed at enhancing public safety in Calgary’s downtown. Task force co-chair Mark Garner highlighted the significance of the $1.9 million investment, describing it as a valuable component of a broader strategy.
These security improvements are expected to significantly impact a surprisingly small group of offenders — around 50 to 100 individuals responsible for 80 to 90 percent of the downtown issues. The report will also stress the importance of maintaining a “state of good repair” throughout the core, emphasizing that aesthetic improvements can enhance the perception of safety.
With these recommendations and investments, Calgary aims to create a safer and more welcoming downtown environment for all residents and visitors. Stay tuned for further updates on the implementation and impact of these security measures.
Security services in Calgary’s downtown are a critical component of maintaining the safety and vibrancy of the area. Each district within downtown has unique needs, requiring tailored security solutions. From the high-traffic Core Shopping Centre to the rapidly developing East Village, security providers employ a mix of surveillance, patrols, community engagement, and advanced technology to protect residents, businesses, and visitors.
As Calgary continues to grow and evolve, the role of security services will become increasingly important, ensuring that downtown remains a safe and thriving hub for all who live, work, and play there.
