Lloydminster city council has directed municipal administration to temporarily remove benches and alter downtown greenspaces as part of an ongoing effort to address social disruption and public safety concerns.
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The decision, made during the Aug. 18 regular council meeting, approves recommendations from the safe and inclusive downtown/crime prevention program sub-committee of downtown Lloydminster. In addition to removing benches, the city plans to enhance tree and shrub management across the downtown core.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers said the measures aim to make the district safer and more welcoming for residents and local businesses.
“Simply put, our downtown needs to be safe, clean and welcoming for everyone,” Aalbers said. “We recognize the concerns being raised by downtown businesses and residents and the City is taking action.”
The directive builds on municipal safety initiatives launched in recent months, including the clean city team and the enforcement and navigation unit. City officials say these programs have improved cleanliness, increased enforcement response and connected vulnerable individuals with support services.
Council also tasked administration with exploring future community engagement and programming options to further address the impacts of social disruption.
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