Pledge on Crime & Public Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JEFF DAVISON MAYORAL CAMPAIGN PLEDGE ON CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY
June 23, 2026

Putting the Safety of Calgarians First: A Plan to Restore Safety to our Downtown

This pledge is in recognition of the letter penned by 18 trusted business leaders of our city, who are pleading for City Council to restore quality of life and liveability in Calgary’s downtown.

Under my leadership, I will immediately begin the process of restoring safety, dignity, and economic vitality to our downtown, in coordination with Calgarians. Calgary cannot afford more mediocrity.

My Pledge to you:

1. Restore Order in the Downtown Core

Immediately put more boots on the ground by putting 200 more officers on the street and ensure our city keeps up with growth, as it relates to hiring new officers. Foster a culture that supports our police and all first responders. We need more presence in downtown hotspots.

Re-open a downtown police station to support quick deployment, visible deterrence, and community connection.

2. Enforce Common Sense Standards in Public Spaces

Lead the charge at City Hall to pass a modernized municipal bylaw modeled on Edmonton’s new public spaces legislation — banning open drug use, aggressive panhandling, spitting, weapons display and unauthorized encampments.

Immediately review and revise pedestrian, scooter and cycling regulations for 8th Avenue to reduce conflict and restore a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
End loitering and disorder in transit zones and public parks, with real consequences for repeat offenders.

Of the estimated 3,000 homeless people in Calgary, less than 200 have been identified as serious, repeat offenders. I will focus our efforts here to end the cycle of violence and send a message that Calgary is not going to put up with this chaos anymore.

3. Expand Emergency Supports for Vulnerable Calgarians

Work with provincial partners to triage and support individuals with mental illness and addiction in appropriate care settings—off the street, and out of harm’s way.

Improve cleaning protocols, add accessible public washrooms, and provide 24/7 crisis response coverage for those experiencing addiction or mental distress. I will work with the province to implement a healthcare strategy that works. This City Council has had four years to do this, but proved they would rather waste time picking ideological battles.

4. Demand Bail and Justice Reform for Chronic Offenders

Advocate alongside Alberta municipalities for federal justice reforms that end the cycle of catch-and-release for violent, repeat offenders who victimize the public and degrade trust in law enforcement.

5. Build a Unified, Accountable Downtown Safety Task Force

Let’s ensure our business and community leaders are fairly represented on the Downtown Safety Task Force. Work from this group should be heard, and implemented, by the next City Council.