CITY TO GET TOUGH DOWNTOWN

City council has put drug users, panhandlers and others on notice: Your
days are numbered.

Council approved Monday a downtown social issues project charter aimed at
eliminating such "unacceptable behaviour" downtown, particularly on the
west side of 5 Street from 1 Avenue to 4 Avenue.

Project manager Diane Randell reminded council that dealing with social
issues is one of the goals council identified during council's priority
setting retreat in Dec. 2004.

Ald. Barbara Lacey didn't need any reminding.

"This is No. 2 on council's priority list," she confirmed.

The project is intended to deal with negative social behaviour along 5
Street which includes, but is not limited to, panhandling, aggressiveness,
public drunkenness, solicitation and drug exchanges.

The project charter indicates downtown property owners are reluctant to
invest in property improvements while these issues continue to exist.

Randell said the project will be considered a success if there is an
increase in investment downtown; an increased awareness of the root causes
of negative behaviour; and "if there is a decrease in the number of
complaints about these behaviours."

The project is estimated to cost about $25,000, primarily for consultant fees.

In addition to the project charter for downtown social issues, council also
approved a budget of $520,000 to create a downtown redevelopment and master
plan.

Project manager George Kuhl told council the goal of the project is to
renew the plans and renew interest in the area.

"We want to see more private investment in the downtown," he said.

Kuhl said the scope or "meat and potatoes" of the plan will cover
everything about revitalizing the downtown, including redefining the
boundary; creating a pedestrian culture and streetscapes; Galt Gardens
redevelopment; transportation planning; finding solutions to parking;
improving safety and security; and marketing the downtown.