The new welcome sign at the north end of Grande Prairie along 100 Street (Photo Credit: City of Grande Prairie)

By Shane Clausing

City committee

Eighteen businesses and organizations benefit from the City’s Crime Mitigation Grant

Sep 16, 2020 | 5:30 AM

Eighteen local businesses will benefit from the City’s Crime Mitigation Grant. They will share nearly $50,000.

The money is allocated to businesses that applied for help when it comes to improving security on their properties.

“This is really somewhat of a renewal of a program that the city has had in previous years,” explained Mayor Bill Given.

“Last year at budget, Council directed administration to include money in 2020 to renew that program. The funds that committee is recommending Council approve will help a number of private property owners make safety enhancements to their properties, which will provide for increased safety of patrons at those facilities as well as the general public.”

Given added that with this cash, businesses can add better lighting for security cameras, as well as adding secure fencing and well-marked signage.

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Given said that because of the grant from last year, he has noticed improvements throughout the City.

“One thing that did stand out to me was that there were a number of locations looking to improve their lighting. I was happy to see a lot of our downtown businesses focusing on improving lighting around the businesses, which again, improves safety for the staff, patrons and the general public in those areas.”

Given tells EverythingGP that he is happy that the city and business community can continue to work together to keep the community safe.

“I think the real strength of this program is, it is a preventative program that is in partnership with the community and I think it demonstrates that the City of Grande Prairie is open to working with our business community and all stakeholders to try and improve safety.”

Applications for the grant were reviewed by the Crime Mitigation Assessment Committee, comprised of representatives from the RCMP, Enforcement, Health and Safety, and the Protective and Social Services Director’s office.

Visits to businesses and conversations with businesses were also completed.

Those interested in applying for the grant can learn more by heading to the City of Grande Prairie’s website.