Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, Canada, is a dynamic city known for its expansive green spaces, including North America's largest urban parkland, the River Valley. With a thriving arts scene, diverse cultural experiences, and a reputation as a festival city, Edmonton offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban vibrancy.
972,223
645 m
765.61 km2
The City of Edmonton is committed to becoming the safest city in Canada by 2030 through its Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Strategy. The city’s approach includes collaboration with community partners, focusing on creating inclusive spaces, addressing mental health and providing robust support to vulnerable populations. Edmonton’s efforts aim to build a safe, welcoming environment for all residents, reflecting its commitment to long-term community well-being and resilience.
In 2010, Edmonton created REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities to convene front-line partners to find innovative approaches to complex social challenges that affect safety in our city. This work touches 50+ partnerships including 24/7 Crisis Diversion and the Out of School Time Collaborative.
In 2023, the City Council directed the development of a Violence Prevention Action Plan (to be presented in 2025), in which REACH also played a role. This plan addresses root causes of violence while enhancing community resilience. On a grassroots level, REACH’s Neighbourhood Organizing Initiative and the City of Edmonton’s Neighbourhood Empowerment Team complement each other to work with residents, communities, businesses and organizations to: understand safety and well-being priorities; build solutions to create safe, vibrant neighborhoods; and reduce crime and social disorder.
Like many other cities, Edmonton faces challenges in maintaining peace and safety such as urban violence, social disorder and ensuring the well-being of the diverse communities that live here.
Funding: The City of Edmonton has made significant investments in community safety and well-being through initiatives such as the Community Safety and Well-being and Building Safer Communities Fund grants, directly supporting programs that address urban violence and social challenges.
The City also remains a key funder of REACH Edmonton.
Programs and Initiatives: In 2023 alone, the 24/7 Crisis Diversion program made over 52,000 contacts with vulnerable Edmontonians, connecting them to essential services. Additionally, 43 youth received wrap-around support through the WrapEd gang intervention program, and 773 children and youth were supported through the Out of School Time joint summer programming, ensuring they had access to safe, quality activities during the summer months.
Implementers: The Office for the Prevention of Violence (OPV) is another success story that began within REACH and now operates independently as a community and expert-led non-government organization devoted to understanding and preventing hate-motivated violence. The OPV is emerging as a global leader in developing effective, evidence-based intervention strategies for all forms of targeted violence.
contacts with vulnerable Edmontonians were made by the 24/7 Crisis Diversion program connecting them to essential services in 2023.
youth received wrap-around support through the WrapEd gang intervention program.
children and youth were supported through the Out of School Time joint summer programming, ensuring they had access to safe, quality activities during the summer months
Peace in Our Cities has been a catalyst for meaningful change in Edmonton. It’s more than idea-sharing; it’s about building strategic partnerships with global leaders to confront our toughest challenges. This network has empowered us with the insights and collaborations necessary to create lasting, transformative impact in our community.
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi (Mayor of Edmonton) and Jan Fox (Executive Director, REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities
REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities – Publications
City of Edmonton
These resources provide valuable information on how Edmonton is working to create a safer, more inclusive city for all residents:
Community Safety and Well-Being Dashboard
City Council Meeting Agendas and Reports
Annual Reports and Performance Metrics
