Town Hall Meeting

by Tiffany Cowan

The Edmonton Police West Division welcomed and encouraged the input of local area residents this past Wednesday.  The meeting looked at crime prevention, criminal trends and other issues in the area.  Residents and business owners were invited to ask questions and comment on the proceedings of the meeting.

“Tonight’s a great opportunity for us to get together with the residence of West Division,” says Superintendent Neil Dubord, “to understand exactly what some of their concerns are, and understand as well, what’s working well within their communities making it a safer place to live, work and play.”

One topic that hit close to home with many was the operating of a new hemp shop that opened recently across the street from the local elementary school.  Many residents feel it is out-of-place and should be moved.

“It’s just way to close for comfort,” says Laurel Hawkswell, a concerned parent and the Vice-President of the Community League.  Hawkswell feels the community is affected by the business operating.  She now goes elsewhere for items that she used to pick up at the local corner store, simply because she and others in the neighbourhood feel uncomfortable.  ”In a perfect world, I would like the shop to move.”

Laurel does see both sides to the story.  ”They have as much right as anybody else to open a business, I just don’t think it’s in the appropriate place.”

The meeting covered the concerns of other residents in the area.  Issues that were not dealt with at the meeting were given special attention after it was over.  Many resident and police officers stayed later to discuss these issues and hopefully find a way to satisfy them. For more details and other information about the West Division, visit the Edmonton Police Website.