The City supports Civic Partners to create safe, secure spaces for all Calgarians

In our ongoing commitment to public safety, The City is announcing $2 million to support our Civic Partners with improving safety in and around facilities located downtown in both 2025 and 2026. 

In November 2024, Council approved $2 million annually for the Civic Partner Community Safety Grant Program to support The City’s Civic Partners operating in the downtown to address safety incidents and related escalated safety issues in the areas and community spaces surrounding their facilities.

“We know the value our Civic Partners bring to Calgarians and the vibrancy of our downtown. We want our partners to focus their resources on providing the programs and services that are important to Calgarians,” says Kim Mustard, Manager, Major Partners. “These funds will help our partners create spaces where we all feel safe and can be enjoyed as a community.” 

The Civic Partner Community Safety Grant Program is one of many investments, strategies, plans and partner programs Council has approved to improve safety in our city. Six Civic Partners will receive funding through the grant program, and they will use the funding to improve and increase safety and address safety concerns inside and around their facilities. Each partners’ application included commitments to boosting safety and security unique to each of their facilities, including things like increase in security staff and training, new lights, cameras and security systems. With the continued focus on improving safety in our city, perceptions of overall safety have markedly increased since April 2024, with 85 per cent of Calgarians feeling Calgary is safe.

"By collaborating with our partners who provide important services to Calgarians, we are able to offer safe and welcoming spaces for individuals and families," says Mayor Gondek. "A key priority for Council is supporting and investing in Civic Partners such as libraries, arts groups and community organizations to ensure people who live and visit Calgary can have great experiences." 

Funding was approved for the following Civic Partners: Calgary Public Library Board, Arts Commons, Contemporary Calgary Arts Society, Platform Calgary, Calgary Convention Centre Authority (Calgary TELUS Convention Centre), and The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. Complete details of funding amounts are available on Calgary.ca. 

“We are pleased to see The City increasing resources for downtown partners who continue to manage challenging safety issues,” says CEO of the Calgary Public Library Sarah Meilleur. “These additional funds will help us to expand staff training, enhance existing safety tools and increase security staff capacity.” 

The City’s Civic Partners steward Council-approved strategies, manage and operate City-owned facilities, as well as provide important programs and services to all Calgarians.