Calgary Chamber ‘Business Matters’ municipal platform shares recommendations to address community safety
Calgary, AB, October 2, 2025 – Community safety and well-being have emerged as top priorities for Calgary’s business community ahead of the upcoming municipal election, with 50 per cent of businesses identifying it as their primary concern. In addition, 74 per cent of businesses believe the City is not doing enough to address public safety issues. This concern is echoed by the broader public, with 78 per cent of Calgarians reporting they do not feel safe walking alone downtown after dark.
Perceptions of public safety have declined across Calgary over the past five years. Half of Calgarians say safety in their own neighbourhoods has worsened, while 71 per cent report a deterioration in safety citywide. 82 per cent believe the downtown core has become less safe.
“Community safety is not just a public good – it is a cornerstone of economic vitality,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “A safe city attracts talent, promotes consumer confidence and creates the conditions businesses need to thrive. When safety declines, businesses face real consequences: reduced foot traffic, disrupted operations, lost revenue and hesitancy to invest. If Calgary doesn’t act swiftly, we risk becoming less competitive as businesses and workers look to other cities that can offer a stronger sense of security.”
While some indicators suggest crime rates are falling in Calgary, these numbers often fail to capture the day-to-day realities of residents and businesses, resulting in a significant disconnect. The City must act urgently to address both actual and perceived safety issues to ensure the investment, talent and vibrancy that fuel Calgary’s economy is preserved and strengthened.
“Safety can no longer be treated as a secondary issue,” Yedlin adds. “The well-being of Calgarians and the success of our business community go hand-in-hand. We’re calling on the incoming municipal government to take action to restore public confidence and create the safe, vibrant city we all want to live and work in.”
Chamber Recommendations
To improve community safety and promote business success, the Chamber recommends Mayor and City Council:
- Develop a police report tracking application that can provide businesses and Calgarians with relevant information on the status of filed police reports.
- Provide micro-grants for small businesses to invest in safety and security improvements.
- Create a by-law prohibiting open-air drug use, ensuring offenders are fined and directed into the Calgary Community Court system.
- Continue to meaningfully address public safety on Calgary Transit by prioritizing funding for overnight access and intake social service providers.
- Expand Calgary’s available day spaces to support people experiencing homelessness.
- Expand staffed public washroom facilities in high foot traffic areas throughout the city.
- Address systemic issues driving public and social disorder, in conjunction with federal and provincial governments.
About Business Matters: A vision for a thriving, inclusive and ambitious Calgary
As Calgary continues to grow, our municipal government must plan boldly for the future, making strategic investments today to stay competitive and support generations to come. Comprised of 50 recommendations across four categories – building a competitive, safe, vibrant and connected economy – and informed by our members, we share ideas and outline the case for why business matters to the prosperity of our city.
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
Media opportunities
For media inquiries, please contact: media@calgary-chamber.papercrane.ca
