| Beltline crime
A new crime prevention program has been launched in the Beltline aimed at making the area less attractive to prostitutes and drug dealers – an integral part of an ambitious growth plan in the area.
Glenn Lyons, a member of The Beltline Initiative, a coalition of community associations and business revitalization zones working to turn the area into a unique urban community, says the goal of the program is to reduce the amount of crime in the area and to make it a more attractive place to live.
"Beltline is a really densely populated area and it’s going through a lot of redevelopment," says Lyons.
"In the next 20 years the population is expected to double."
The first phase of the crime-prevention program will involve analyzing crime statistics in the area and deciding where further research needs to be done, says Lyon.
"We have social issues – homelessness, prostitution and drug-related crime," he says. "It’s all about getting a handle on it for the future."
Crime prevention initiatives from around the world will also be looked at to determine which might work in the Beltline area, located south of downtown.
The program will also study "environmental design" changes that could make the community safer, such as street lights in back alleys, says Lyons.
Iraqi aid program
An organization that once lead anti-war protests in Calgary is planning a humanitarian aid mission to Iraq to bring school supplies to children and make connections between Canadian and Iraqi youths.
Julie Hrdlicka, who was a leading figure in large anti-war protests in Calgary prior to the American invasion of Iraq earlier this year, and Noel Ainsley, both members of CANDIL (Canada, Democracy and International Law, formerly CANESI, the Canadian Network to End Sanctions in Iraq), plan to initiate a project called Building Bridges, despite ongoing violence in the country.
The organization is also seeking financial aid to help their mission. More information is available at www.candil.ca, by e-mailing canesica@telus.net or by calling 270-9669.
Holiday Peace Fair
Project Ploughshares annual Christmas fair, which offers products from local social justice and environmental organizations, is gearing up for another year.
More than 20 organizations are participating in the fair, including Amnesty International, the Tibet Women’s Association and Oxfam Canada.
The event has become a tradition for many people looking for ethical products at Christmas time.
The fair takes place November 29 at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Upcoming events
· Two political conventions are taking place in Calgary this weekend.
The Alberta New Democrats will hold their annual convention from November 28-30 at the Ramada Calgary.
On November 29 there will be panel discussions on auto insurance and seniors issues and
national NDP leader Jack Layton and Manitoba former premier Howard Pawley will be speaking.
On the same day, the provincial convention of the Communist Party of Canada will hold a planning and discussion at the Commons Rooms of the Old Y. National Communist Party leader Miguel Figueroa will be in attendance.
· A panel discussion on homelessness, featuring four experts on the subject, will take place at the Epcor Centre on December 1 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The discussion will examine reasons homelessness has increased in Calgary over the past several years, despite the city’s affluence. |
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