Lloydminster City Council has directed Administration to move forward with a series of measures aimed at improving safety and public spaces in the downtown core, including the temporary removal of some benches and enhanced maintenance of trees and shrubs.
The direction was approved during Council’s regular meeting on August 17, as members voted to implement recommendations from the Safe + Inclusive Downtown / Crime Prevention Program Sub-Committee of Downtown Lloydminster. The recommendations focus on addressing social disruption in the downtown area while improving the experience for residents, businesses and visitors.
Council also directed Administration to explore additional programs and community engagement opportunities that could help support, mitigate or respond to the impacts of social disruption throughout the community.
“Simply put, our downtown needs to be safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “We recognize the concerns being raised by downtown businesses and residents, and the City is taking action.”
The latest measures build on initiatives introduced by the City in recent months, including the Clean City Team and the Enforcement and Navigation Unit (ENU). According to the City, those efforts have strengthened enforcement, improved downtown cleanliness, increased patrols and helped connect people with available supports and services.
The City says the Enforcement and Navigation Unit continues to respond to encampments and other public safety concerns and can be reached directly at 780-870-0440.
Officials say the changes to benches and greenspaces are intended to reduce the impacts of social disruption while creating a safer and more welcoming downtown environment. The City will continue working with businesses, residents, enforcement agencies, social-service organizations and other community partners as additional measures are implemented.
