The City of Lethbridge will work alongside the Downtown BRZ to tackle issues of lawlessness in the downtown core through the creation of a new task force, October 18, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Task force to tackle “lawlessness” in downtown Lethbridge

Oct 18, 2023 | 10:35 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge will work together with a downtown business group with the goal of improving safety in the area.

At the regular meeting of city council on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, members voted unanimously to support a motion to collaborate with representatives of the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ). Together, they will establish a cross-functional task force on lawlessness in the downtown core.

The task force’s mandate will include:

• Identifying the symptoms and depth of lawless behaviours and their impacts in the city
• Identifying stakeholders to strategize on responses and resourcing requirements
• Working collaboratively with stakeholders to identify solutions and assist in implementing strategies identified to create a sustainable impact
• Developing a joint communication plan for the task force and its member stakeholders
• Considering how any recommendations from the task force can support and/or integrate with existing encampment, shelter and housing strategies developed and being implemented by the City of Lethbridge

  @lethbridgenewsnow The City of Lethbridge will create a new task force, aiming to tackle lawlessness in the downtown core. Learn more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com #YQL #LNN #Lethbridge #News ♬ original sound – Lethbridge News Now

The City of Lethbridge will look to connect with a variety of stakeholders in the creation of the task force, including the Downtown BRZ, Lethbridge Police Service, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, members of city council, administrative and regulatory staff with the City, and potentially, the provincial government.

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The motion was introduced by Mayor Blaine Hyggen and Councillor John Middleton-Hope. It states that “Lawlessness is defined as a state of disorder due to a disregard of the law, and these behaviours include criminal, uncontrolled and anti-social conduct that has a sustained, pervasive impact on communities.”

Hyggen said that there continues to be high rates of lawlessness in the community.

“This resolution, as many of you have seen, is worded very strongly. We purposely did that because we’ve heard loud and clear from our downtown businesses that there are concerns that need to be dealt with,” said Hyggen. “We have tough problems and we’re going to need some tough solutions.”

Middleton-Hope adds that the City will act with urgency as solutions are needed as soon as possible.

Although the task force will only focus on the downtown core for the time being, city officials say it is possible that it could expand to other areas in the future.

Councillor Jenn Schmidt-Rempel said she hopes that the task force will lead to more long-term strategizing and engagement.

“I also see this as a strong and solid catalyst for the creation of a downtown neighbourhood association whereby downtown residents will also be empowered to participate in downtown initiatives and discussions and activities, as these all directly affect them as well,” sais Schmidt-Rempel.

Recommendations from the task force will be presented to city council at its December 12, 2023 meeting.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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