Thompson city officials are preparing to consider a new proposal that would use design strategies to help improve public safety and deter crime in the community. The initiative, known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, evaluates how factors such as lighting, sightlines, landscaping, building windows, and cameras can be used to make public spaces and properties safer for residents.
Mayor Colleen Smook is leading the proposal, which was developed with guidance from the RCMP and outside experts. If approved by city council, the approach would influence how the city evaluates and plans future public spaces and buildings, particularly in areas where residents have raised concerns about safety.
This design-based approach aligns with the City of Thompson Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, which was first released in 2021. That plan was created with input from over 20 community organizations, including Indigenous groups, education providers, and law enforcement, to address local safety challenges.
The city has historically managed some of the highest crime rates in the country, frequently ranking near the top of national crime severity indices. Recent data highlighted that Thompson has faced violent crime rates significantly higher than the national average. In response to these ongoing challenges, the provincial government has provided more than $385,000 in support for crime prevention since 2021, including funding for a specialized crime suppression unit and downtown safety initiatives.
Similar strategies for building safer public spaces have already been adopted in other Canadian cities. By formally incorporating these principles into local planning, officials hope to add a proactive layer to the city’s ongoing efforts to create a safer environment for everyone.
