Downtown Safety Project Receives National Planning Award

A Calgary initiative focused on creating safer and more welcoming public spaces has received national recognition from the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI). 

The award recognizes a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) project led by The City of Calgary in partnership with DIALOG. The project examined 10 locations across downtown Calgary, exploring how design, community input and collaboration can help improve safety and the experience of people using public spaces. 

What set the project apart was its focus on implementation. Rather than producing recommendations alone, the team worked closely with businesses, community organizations, operational teams and subject matter experts to identify practical solutions that could be put into action. 

Several improvements are already underway or complete, including lighting enhancements, safety infrastructure and other measures designed to improve public spaces for residents, visitors and businesses. 

"This recognition reflects the incredible collaboration behind the project," said Darshan Tailor, Business Strategist with The City of Calgary. "Businesses, community organizations, City teams and technical experts all contributed their knowledge and experience. Together, we developed practical solutions that are helping create safer public spaces." 

Collaboration was central to the project's success. Interested parties from across sectors helped identify challenges, share local insights and shape recommendations that were both meaningful and achievable. This partnership-based approach ensured the project delivered practical outcomes rather than a stand-alone study. 

The recognition highlights the importance of investing in public spaces that support a vibrant downtown. Safer, more welcoming environments help encourage people to live, work, visit and spend time in the core, benefiting residents, businesses and the broader community. 

The project assessed 10 downtown locations and produced implementation-focused action plans designed to translate safety recommendations into tangible improvements on the ground. 

The APPI award recognizes planning excellence and innovation, celebrating projects that create positive impacts for communities across Canada.