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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

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Posted: 11/3/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Downtown is better than you fear

Dear Editor:

Despite the fact that Winnipeg was once again named the murder capital of Canada, your downtown is safe.

One of downtown's greatest misconceptions is that it isn't safe, but looking at CrimeStat published by the Winnipeg Police, downtown crime is actually down 21 per cent this year over last year and downtown only accounted for 403 of the 9,986 crimes (four per cent) that have happened in Winnipeg in 2009. The police have said it themselves --there isn't much crime downtown.

The problem lies not only in how statistics are reported to the media, but the fact that downtown attracts a lot of media attention, whether it's good or bad.

We acknowledge they are just doing their job, but looking at the crime statistics map, downtown falls into District 1, an area actually much larger than downtown.

When downtown crime stats are reported, the media are often just looking at the District 1 number and are not giving an accurate picture. We've been working with Winnipeg Police to change this.

Naturally, the negative perceptions of downtown safety aren't attributed to the media and statistics alone. Poverty, public intoxication, and homelessness are very real concerns and are evident to anyone that comes downtown. This reality bothers some even if no crime is being committed. It often becomes these social factors that translate to fear for one's safety.

The thing is, downtown's problem isn't an issue of crime, it's an issue of dealing with society's most disadvantaged. The main issue with these negative misconceptions of downtown's safety is they get in the way of its revitalization, something everyone should be worried about.

We do know the re-birth of our downtown is real. Judging by the millions of people visiting downtown today, a vibrant core can be achieved, despite the challenges of crime, poverty and homelessness. Incredible city centres, like those in Montreal, Vancouver, Portland or Seattle experience much greater social and crime concerns than we do, but nevertheless vibrancy flourishes because their citizens believe in their downtowns, which are built on sound development principles.

It's time that we as a city collectively shift into another gear -- one that celebrates downtown's accomplishments, rather than points fingers at often-unfounded safety concerns.

There are so many reasons to believe in our downtown. Yes, you might be approached by a panhandler, but instead of vilifying downtown because of it, become part of change you want for your city. Sign a petition, contact a local politician, volunteer your time, or just find one of hundreds of reasons to come downtown. Because long-lasting change that transforms our city really starts with you.

Stefano Grande

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 3, 2009 ??65523

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