Police officers from several districts joined forces in Calgary’s downtown core on Wednesday for a one-day safety operation aimed at tackling rising crime and disorder. CBC News
Calgary police launched a major downtown operation Wednesday in response to a sharp rise in violent crime. Dozens of officers were reassigned from across the city to patrol the downtown core and transit stations under Operation Order, a combined effort of enforcement and community outreach.
Police Chief Katie McLellan said that by late afternoon, officers had arrested 20 people, executed 180 warrants, and seized several weapons. They also connected over 60 vulnerable residents with social services. “Many Calgarians feel unsafe downtown, and we need to address that,” McLellan said.
According to city data, violence in the downtown area — including the Beltline, Chinatown, East Village, Eau Claire, and the Commercial Core — has reached a six-year high.
A City Struggling With Disorder
McLellan said street robberies and assaults have driven up violent crime, with shelter workers and police officers often targeted. Calls about disturbances, drug use, and trespassing are also at record levels.
“This isn’t just about numbers,” McLellan said. “It’s about how people feel when they walk our streets or ride transit. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their city.”
A recent survey found that more than 80 per cent of Calgarians consider public safety their top concern when voting in municipal elections.
Enforcement Meets Compassion
During the sweep, police used a balanced approach — offering help when possible but enforcing the law when necessary. Officers referred people to shelters or addiction programs while also issuing tickets and making arrests.
“We don’t want to criminalize vulnerable people,” McLellan said. “But when arrests happen, we connect them with support services.”
Bo Masterson of the Calgary Homeless Foundation said the effort shows the need for cooperation across agencies. “Homelessness connects with housing, health, justice, and social services,” he said. “We need a person-centred system that meets people where they are.”
Local Businesses Feel the Impact
Downtown business leaders say chronic offenders continue to cause problems. Katie Thies, head of the Beltline Business Improvement Area, said repeat offenders often return to the streets within hours of being arrested.
Thies said vandalism, thefts, and break-ins have increased, costing businesses thousands of dollars. “It makes some people nervous to come downtown, especially at night,” she said.
In Chinatown, Bill Zheng said graffiti and petty crimes are growing issues. Some business owners have stopped removing graffiti because it reappears within days. “We need consistent efforts, not just a one-day sweep,” he said.
Need for Long-Term Support
McLellan said Operation Order isn’t a one-time blitz. She plans to continue increased patrols but admitted the force needs more officers and resources. About one-fifth of Calgary police staff are on leave or modified duty due to injury or mental health issues.
The upcoming city budget includes a proposed $61 million investment to improve downtown safety. McLellan said funding should also go toward more daytime shelters and a bylaw banning open-air drug use.
Arthur Green, spokesperson for Alberta’s Public Safety and Emergency Services Ministry, said the operation shows “clear, decisive action” and called for continued cooperation between all levels of government.
