Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has signaled that a plan to bring a 24-hour police station back to the city's downtown core will soon be presented to city council. Speaking on Monday, Farkas emphasized the urgency of addressing the absence of a permanent police presence in the area.
Current situation deemed untenable
Farkas stated that Calgary is the only major North American city without a downtown police station, describing the situation as untenable. He announced that a super majority of council members have signed onto a notice of motion directing the city to collaborate with the Calgary Police Service, the Calgary police commission, and the Alberta government to study the feasibility of re-establishing a full-fledged police station in the core.
The study will include an evaluation of potential locations, capital and operating budget implications, and alternative funding options. Farkas noted that a downtown station would improve response times, enhance coordination between police and social services, and provide a consistent point of contact for businesses and residents.
Public safety and economic impact
Farkas highlighted that downtown safety is not where it needs to be, affecting residents, businesses, and commuters. He stressed that confidence in the core is declining, impacting economic development and downtown vibrancy. While a new station will not be built immediately, Farkas expressed optimism about breaking ground within a reasonable timeframe, especially with provincial and federal government participation.
The physical police presence in the downtown was reduced after the Victoria Park station closed in 2017. At that time, the location was among the slowest, receiving only about 17,000 visits annually. However, the opioid epidemic and rising public safety concerns have revived calls for a downtown station.
Previous efforts and challenges
In 2019, when Farkas was a city councillor, he and Ward 7 Coun. Druh Farrell submitted an inquiry to explore returning a police station to the downtown. Administration identified five potential locations, including the former Greyhound bus terminal and the old central library branch. However, a report indicated that converting any of these buildings would be cost-prohibitive, even if the space were provided for free or at low cost.
Farkas remains committed to advancing the plan, emphasizing that a downtown police station is a necessary step to address the issues Calgarians are experiencing.
