Source: Government of Canada regional news
The Government of Yukon and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce announce community safety funding
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This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce.
As part of the Downtown Whitehorse safety action plan, the Government of Yukon is working with the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce to administer crime prevention programming for businesses in downtown Whitehorse.
The Yukon government is working with the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce to facilitate delivery of crime and theft prevention and de-escalation tools to Whitehorse businesses and organizations.
The content of this programming has been developed with industry partners following discussions with affected businesses. It will provide:
- Subsidies to businesses in downtown Whitehorse for security assessments of locations, including assessment of layout and design to aid in crime prevention.
- Training to business owners and staff, including but not limited to de-escalation and conflict resolution training.
- An updated Who’s Minding Your Business security checklist to support businesses as they work to address security elements.
This new pilot programming is being offered as year one of the Crime Prevention Grant program. Security assessments conducted this year may be helpful in adjusting the program design and guidelines in the future to better address the specific needs of participants. The aim is to provide qualifying businesses and NGOs with practical skills, updated resources and security strategies.
Program guidelines and information on how to apply will be posted on the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce website in January 2025.
Businesses and NGOs in Whitehorse have been resilient in the face of ongoing challenges, but work is needed to ensure they can operate safely. We will continue to provide resources to support them and to increase overall community safety in our territory’s capital. I want to thank the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce for their dedication to advocating for a safer city and for taking on the administration of phase one of this program.
This pilot program is an important first step in addressing the safety and security concerns of Whitehorse businesses and organizations. By providing practical tools such as security assessments, de-escalation training and updated resources, we aim to empower businesses and organizations with preventative strategies while working together to create a safer and more resilient community.
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This programming is being created in accordance with the Downtown Whitehorse safety action plan.
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Funding has been approved for three fiscal years, from 2024–25 through 2026–27. This new agreement with the Chamber will support them in distributing this funding for the first year.
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The planned phases include:
- Phase 1 (January 2025 to March 2025): Establish a project team, orient staff, and begin communications with stakeholders.
- Phase 2 (April 2025 to September 2025): Collect qualitative data, meet with stakeholders, roll out a survey, and conduct data analysis.
- Phase 3 (October 2025 to March 2026): Perform safety assessments, host further community meetings, and conduct validating surveys.
- Phase 4 (April 2026 to July 2026): Develop, review, and present a final Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
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Over the next three years, the Crime Prevention Grant will focus on providing subsidies for security equipment purchases and installations, as well as assistance for damage caused by break-ins or vandalism, including costs not covered by insurance.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Damian Topps
Economic Development Communications
867-667-5378
damian.topps@yukon.ca