The city will determine the public’s perception of crime in Spruce Grove by using a community consultation approach and compare this to the actual incidence of crime from an analysis of RCMP crime statistics. A Perceptions and Reality of Crime Committee, comprised of key strategic community partners, will provide project management and direction. Spruce Grove will receive $75,000 from the province’s Safe Communities Innovation Fund to assist with the one-year project.

“This initiative will help us understand our residents’ view of our city so that we can better design programs to help them feel safe,” said Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston. “Their perceptions, combined with actual crime statistics, will help us understand where our focus needs to be as we work to keep our community’s reputation as a Safe City.”

The $60-million Safe Communities Innovation Fund was announced by Premier Stelmach on November 6, 2008 and builds on the work of the Safe Communities initiative to address crime on an immediate basis, as well as over the long-term. Now entering its third year, Safe Communities is part of the government’s response to reducing and preventing crime in Alberta.

The Alberta government has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.