More security coming to downtown St. John's, says safety coalition

The Downtown Safety Coalition received $180,000 in funding a year ago, which helped pay for private security. Some members of the community say they have seen some changes and the coalition needs to keep going.

Residents say they have seen safety improvements in the downtown area since last year

Abby Cole · CBC News · Posted: Jun 12, 2024 4:30 AM EDT | Last Updated: June 12

A street at night with a small crowd of people at the end. There are lit signs for bars on both sides of the street. — George Street in St. John's is the centre of nightlife in the city and one of the main areas of concern for the Downtown Safety Coalition. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press)

More security is coming to downtown St. John's, says safety coalition spokesperson Don-E Coady.

Last summer, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the City of St. John's announced $180,000 in funding to support the Downtown Safety Coalition, made up of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Downtown St. John's, the George Street Association, Destination St. John's, Hospitality N.L., the provincial government and the city itself.

Coady told CBC News there have been improvements since the announcement, with an increase in private security that will be expanded this summer.

Coady said funding supported the contracting of Independent Security Services through a three-phase plan.

Phase 1 involved adding security on George Street between July and November. Phase 2 expanded the footprint to include Duckworth Street and Water Street. That footprint has been approved for this summer season and for Phase 3.

Coady said reports from the first two phases show an improvement in downtown safety and prevention efforts.

Nightlife dangers

St. John's musician Rowan Sherlock says he has noticed some positive changes since the coalition added more lighting to George Street with more private security on patrol of the famous party street.

"That's been definitely a big plus for us," said Sherlock.

Heading into the busy summer season, Sherlock said, the coalition needs to continue what it's doing.

He said musicians faced many dangers a couple of years ago, like being followed, randomly attacked and having their instruments stolen.

"It all kind of happened around a clustered time. So it started to become quite a concern for us," said Sherlock.

A red axe sits on hardwood flooring in front of a display of sealskin boots. — This axe was used to smash through the glass at Natural Boutique last year. (Natural Boutique/Facebook)

Despite the coalition's efforts, he said, he hasn't seen total improvement in the area. He says there is more aggressive panhandling on George Street.

"They're content to be quite pushy," said Sherlock. "You really can't walk from one end of George Street to the other without being, you know, confronted by somebody."

Preventing thefts

Last year, the Natural Boutique on Water Street had its window smashed and merchandise stolen, costing the business $40,000.

The store's owner, Jen Shears, said despite the efforts from the coalition, break-ins are still happening.

She changed the store's locks and windows, and implemented a buzzer system to manage who comes in and out of the store.

"It kind of breaks my heart to have to do that. It's probably the toughest call that we've ever needed to make as business owners in terms of who we let in," said Shears.

A police officer standing in front a brick police building. — RNC Const. James Cadigan says it's important for the public to report crimes to the police. (Terry Roberts/CBC)

While the changes have improved the situation, she said, the street needs more security.

"More security presence is certainly important because I don't think these people would walk in and break into places if there were obvious patrols at every corner," said Shears.

See it, say it

RNC Const. James Cadigan said the RNC sits on the coalition and provides input but doesn't receive funding.

Cadigan said the most important thing for the public to do is to report any suspicious activity. He said there have been instances of dangerous events occurring and being shared on social media instead of being reported to the RNC.

Last year, Mayor Danny Breen said $80,000 of the coalition's funding would go toward a "See It, Say It" campaign to make it easier to report crime in the area.

Cadigan said the RNC started promoting reporting to the police last year.

Mayor says St. John's in early talks with Uber to improve downtown safety

These musicians say George Street is getting more violent and needs more policing

"We did see a growth in reporting and as a result," said Cadigan, "We were able to detect some behaviours that, you know, were essentially provided with intervention."

Recognizing that not everyone wants to be involved in a police investigation, Cadigan said, people can report anonymously to the police.

Addressing addictions, mental health

Last year, Lisa Faye of the St. John's Status of Women Council said she would rather see the funding for the Downtown Safety Coalition go toward poverty reduction.

"When people have a place to call home, when people have a safe roof over their head where they can sleep well at night, that makes a change in everyone's lives," Faye told CBC News at the time.

Shears said the problem comes down to addressing mental health and addictions.

"Everyone knows that it goes deeper than just the desire to steal," said Shears. "Certainly mental health and addiction treatment needs to be more at the forefront in our society."

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.