
Medicine Hat residents feel less safe going downtown: survey
MEDICINE HAT, AB – An increasing amount of Medicine Hat residents say they are uncomfortable or afraid of going downtown, according to a survey presented to the police commission.
In the 2023 Medicine Hat Policing and Community Safety Survey, 54 per cent of respondents polled shared their concern, which is up from 29 per cent in 2021.
Medicine Hat Police Chief Alan Murphy said he feels the numbers can be attributed to what is playing out in downtowns across North America. He described there being more people who are suffering from mental health and addiction issues and those who do not have a place to live.
“What we plan to do this year coming up, we’re already starting to work with our partners so we can have a better plan going forward,” Murphy said.