MOOSE JAW — When respondents from among roughly 600 registered business members were asked to provide insights for its business impact survey, the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce received valuable feedback from 77 local businesses and these results have now been published.
Among the survey’s results — which were compiled last week and took approximately two months to complete — were a few suggestions that could help provide a safer business environment in Moose Jaw.
Suggestions for improvement
A meaningful solution, the survey indicated, may require the formation of a task force dedicated to overseeing the implementation of each recommendation. Such a task force would be comprised of representatives from local businesses and must include law enforcement and relevant community organizations.
The task force would be required to develop an action plan with details outlining specific steps that need to be taken, timelines with measurable goals, and the responsibilities associated with each task. With this plan in mind, sources of funding would then be explored to enable specific actions.
The task force would be responsible for engaging regularly with stakeholders through regularly scheduled meetings that include business owners, employees, customers, and community members. At each meeting, individuals would provide feedback, address any existing concerns, and the process helps ensure the implemented measures are effective and well-received by the community.
As measures are implement over time, an ongoing monitoring and evaluation framework will be required to track progress, regularly assess project impacts, and to make any necessary adjustments based on feedback and real-world data. This evaluation framework will take place alongside one or several public awareness campaigns including workshops, information sessions, and promotional materials with the goal of maintaining a safe environment.
A few suggestions indicated through survey results include:
- Improved lighting for businesses premises and parking lots
- Increasing the frequency of police patrols, namely in areas with higher reported incidents
- Community engagement through community watch programs and regular police meetings
- Improved maintenance of infrastructure including parking lots and sidewalks to remove hazards
- Providing resources and supports for unsheltered individuals
When asked to report what business owners felt were among the top five priorities to address social issues, a few responses from 61 of the participants included:
- Depression and mental health issues (73.77 per cent)
- Substance abuse and addictions (73.77 per cent)
- Homelessness (62.3 per cent)
- Affordable housing (57.38 per cent)
- Meeting basic needs which are currently unmet (34.43 per cent)
Implemented changes
Several businesses have already implemented a range of security measures in response to heightened security concerns.
Some of the changes that were reported include:
- Improved locks (65 per cent)
- Improved lighting (51 per cent)
- Adding or improving fences, gates, and barriers (30 per cent)
- Hiring onsite (32 per cent) and offsite (eight per cent) security services
- Security training for staff (59 per cent)
- Participation in local initiatives including the MJ Trespass Prevention Program offered by the Moose Jaw Police Service (53 per cent)
- Adjusting business security protocols between 2021 and 2024 (75 per cent)
Costs associated with these security measures range from $500 to $300,000. Many respondents indicated that the financial burden of these improved measures poses yet another challenge faced by Moose Jaw’s business community.
Potential funding sources
To implement any increased safety measures, additional sources of funding will be required and survey participants offered a few valuable suggestions.
Government grants: Each level of government — municipal, provincial, and federal — often provides grants for community safety and infrastructure improvement projects. Many of these same grants can be used to provide “a significant source of funding” for enhanced safety measures and to maintain infrastructure as is necessary.
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs): BIDs comprise a set area where included businesses are asked to pay an additional tax or fee in order to fund improvements within its boundaries. Funds raised through this method can then be used to enhance security, improve lighting and visibility, and to maintain infrastructure.
Public-private partnerships: Through collaborating with private sector companies, additional funding and resources can be made available if the right businesses are willing and able to invest in safety measures that benefit their employees and customers.
Community fundraising: By engaging with the community through fundraising events and campaigns, funds can be raised for public safety initiatives. As well, this approach “helps raise awareness and foster(s) a sense of community involvement.”
Corporate sponsorships: Businesses and corporations in the community may be interested in sponsoring specific safety projects in exchange for recognition and positive publicity. Examples of these projects can include the provision of additional security personnel, surveillance cameras, and similar measures.
Non-profit organizations: Non-profits that are focused on community safety and development may be able to offer grants or other funding opportunities. By partnering with these organizations, businesses within a given area may be able to access additional resources and relevant supports.
For more information and to view the survey results online, visit MJChamber.com or call 306-692-6414.
