According to the 58-page report titled “No Place To Go” by Vibrant Communities Calgary, social disorder incidents have been on the rise in Calgary, particularly in public spaces like LRT stations. Calls for police assistance related to social disorder at these locations have increased significantly in 2021 and 2022, though they have since returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Social disorder incidents include those related to littering, loitering, fare evasion, urinating, or defecating in transit stations, but are generally not considered criminal in nature.
The report further notes that calls for police assistance related to mental health concerns have increased by 38% from 2018 to 2022. Additionally, there has been a 186% increase in toxic drug deaths in the Calgary zone from 2016 to 2023, with a significant shift towards these deaths occurring in public spaces. In 2023, 53% of toxic drug deaths in Calgary took place in public areas, a departure from previous years where private spaces were more common.
Fentanyl remains the primary substance responsible for toxic drug deaths in Calgary, accounting for 65% of cases in 2023. Methamphetamine and cocaine follow with 49% and 31%, respectively.
Encampment reports have also seen a substantial increase of 410% in 2023 compared to 2018. Many Calgarians surveyed for the report indicated that the CTrain network experiences more social disorder than the bus system.
Chinook, Marlborough Mall, Sunalta, and Victoria Park stations, along with stations within the Free Fare Zone downtown, are identified as particularly problematic areas for social disorder. However, the report also emphasizes the lack of daytime options for individuals experiencing homelessness as a significant contributing factor to their presence in transit stations.
Homeless shelters are often perceived as inadequate and unsafe, leading many to seek refuge in transit. Police officers and transit peace officers interviewed for the report share similar concerns about the shelters’ perceived shortcomings, including fears of theft, disease, and personal safety.
The report highlights the need to address intersecting crises related to housing, affordability, and addiction, emphasizing the urgent need for stable housing to prevent individuals from falling into homelessness. It also acknowledges the trauma experienced by police, transit officers, and community workers on the frontlines, and the challenges in connecting individuals to medical care due to limited treatment and harm reduction options.
Researchers emphasize that adding more police does not necessarily lead to reduced crime, suggesting that it is a short-term solution at best. Instead, they advocate for daytime options for the homeless, recognizing that everyone benefits from providing more options for those in need.
