GRA address to Mayor Sim and Vancouver City Council regarding; 

Motion 5. Establishing a Community Policing Centre in Gastown and Area to Enhance Safety and Security

The GRA completely supports the establishment of a Community Policing Centre in our neighbourhood. 

Since its inception, the primary concern of the GRA has been the crime and social disorder that plague our neighbourhood, and we are now feeling very encouraged and grateful that this administration has listened to our concerns!

The GRA would especially like to thank Trevor Ford, and Councillor Brian Montague for having met with us on their own time, and Mayor Ken Sim for understanding what we need to make Gastown a safer and more secure place for everyone.

Locating this new Policing Centre in the storefront left vacant by the TD Bank – behind the once-famous Woodward’s windows which sadly became a constant target for vandals – will not help to rejuvenate that important corner, but also serve as a strong symbolic reminder that the City of Vancouver does not tolerate crime and social disorder. 

We fully appreciate that other programs will also be needed to further address the addiction and mental illness issues in our neighbourhood, but this is a massive step forward to better protect us, and help bring back the vibrancy this area was once known for.  

Thank you again!