The City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Police Service will tackle gangs in the community after a federal grant was approved, July 26, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

City of Lethbridge to receive $665K to target gangs

Jul 26, 2023 | 9:12 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge and Government of Canada hope to tackle gangs and gang violence in the community.

At the regular meeting of city council on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, members voted to accept $665,618 from the federal Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF).

Funding from the program is based on crime severity and population density. In 2021, Lethbridge had the highest crime severity index in the country.

READ MORE: Lethbridge ranked #1 in Canada on Crime Severity Index in 2021

The money will be used for a one-year work plan on prevention and intervention initiatives aimed at addressing and responding to gun and gang violence.

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In the first year of the program, the city plans to hire a consultant to conduct research into gun and gang themes, types of violence in the area, trends, stats, gaps in services, and issues impacting Lethbridge. The city will also hire a project lead and support staff and develop a public awareness campaign.

A prevention and intervention plan will be implemented in years two and three that could include mentoring, counselling, skills development, recreational opportunities, outreach, public awareness and education, and improved data systems.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen said the safety of the public is always city council’s number one priority.

“This new grant funding will help target gang threats in the community, as well as strengthen our understanding of community needs, trends and issues impacting the safety and wellbeing of the residents in Lethbridge,” said Hyggen.

The City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) will work together to manage the BSCF program.

Downtown Policing Sgt. Ryan Darroch said education and early intervention are crucial to curbing the negative impacts street gangs and violence can have on youth.

“The Police Service welcomes the opportunity to partner with the City of Lethbridge to educate and support vulnerable youth in our community,” said Darroch.

The City of Lethbridge will not have to provide any direct funding of its own to the BSCF project, and officials say the grant could offset some existing dollars in the municipal police budget. The city will contribute approximately $26,402 of in-kind services.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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