RHE Milestones

2014

Hosted International Responsible Hospitality Conference
60 EPS members completed the 2-day Entertainment District Police Training course
Participated in a joint City of Edmonton and EPS educational trip to Los Angeles and Columbus Ohio to assess night-time operations in arena districts, in planning for Edmonton’s downtown arena
Have a Gameplan patron campaign is launched, encouraging 18-21 year olds to plan ahead so they can get home safely
Offered late night session for the Alberta Professional Planning Institute (APPI)
Provided input on the consultation design and topic areas of the upcoming review of the Gaming and Liquor Act
Integrated PSCT database launched, enabling all PSCT member organizations to share data and information

30 EPS members complete a new 2-day Entertainment District Police Training course developed by PSCT in partnership with EPS In-House Training Section and EPS Control Tactics Training Section.
More than 60 venue staff complete Licensed Premises Security Training offered by RHE and the Edmonton Police Service.
Presentations on RHE lessons-learned and best practices are made at Edmonton’s 5th International Conference on Urban Traffic Safety, and at Club Health San Francisco, the 8th International Conference on Nightlife, Substance Use and Related Health Issues.
J.Walker, a jaywalking education campaign complete with an Edmonton-themed version of the retro video game, Frogger, is launched.
Taxi cards, with taxi company contact numbers and a summary of patron rights, are developed in partnership with the City of Edmonton Vehicle for Hire section and distributed by EPS entertainment zone beat officers and venue staff.
A crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) walk of the alleys on a block in the Whyte Avenue entertainment zone is conducted to investigate opportunities to improve safety in the alleys off Whyte Avenue.

RHE and the office of the Chief Economist publish the City’s first late night economic impact assessment.
Business license bylaw changes come into effect to include new requirements for safety plans, record checks, noise mitigation and patron management plans.
A late-night transit pilot, dubbed “Night Ride”, is conducted on Whyte Avenue from January through April. The pilot is evaluated thoroughly and deemed successful from every perspective.
RHE works with taxi brokers, the Edmonton Police Service, licensed venues, and the Chief Livery Officer to determine locations for taxi stands for Jasper Avenue. Locations are implemented.
The new Jasper Avenue Edmonton Police Service Beat Team begins work.
A new permanent public washroom on Whyte Avenue is opened.

SOS (Sounds of Old Strathcona) Music Festival is launched.
Jasper Avenue ongoing budget is not supported.
Funding for extra Jasper Avenue Community Police Officers (Beat Team) approved by City Council.

RHE works towards the development of an industry-driven, city-wide association that would support self-regulation, training, advocacy, and the sharing of best practices.
Jasper Avenue is recognized as a significant entertainment zone. The Jasper Avenue Entertainment Working group is formed. Late in the year implementation plans are passed by City Council. RHE receives one-time funding to support downtown events, and vibrancy activities. The funding includes resources for a late-night transit pilot program.
RHE partners with the Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (ALGC) and the Edmonton Police Service to establish the Best Bar None program in Edmonton to encourage best practices. The first awards ceremony is held.

The viability of positioning Old Strathcona as Edmonton’s Music District is reviewed by stakeholders. Planning begins.
“Save the Party” patron responsibility campaign is further developed and includes “Be a Party Hero”.

PSCT identifies the need for safety plans, record checks, noise mitigation and patron management plans to be included as part of business licensing requirements.
New procedures for taxi loading areas are implemented for Whyte Avenue.
The first late night pedestrian count is conducted in order to understand the magnitude of transportation and safety requirements.
Community policing teams receive special training for working in hospitality destinations.
“Turn it Down” patron responsibility campaign is developed in consultation with University of Alberta residences, aimed at noise reduction. The program also runs in 2009.
“Pee Free” patron responsibility campaign runs, aimed at reducing public urination.

The City of Edmonton’s Street-as-a-Venue Program is implemented. The program treats an entire hospitality zone as a single entertainment venue or event. The program’s initial activity focuses on quality of life issues, including graffiti removal, washroom provision, ashtrays and litter clean up.
RHE recruits members to a sector-wide panel that addresses late-night economy issues from a city-wide perspective.
Common data is shared between members of PSCT. This information sharing continues to this day.
Identification “scanners” are introduced to Edmonton licensed establishments by industry.
RHE panel identifies late-night transit as top priority.
Late-night bus project developed, but not able to launch.
RHE submits further Whyte Avenue proposals for late night transit, in 2007 and 2008, to no avail.
Patron responsibility campaign aimed at reinforcing positive social behaviours in late-night hospitality zones is launched. Planning for “Pee Free” campaign begins.
“Save the Party” and “Be a Lover” patron responsibility campaigns are launched, aimed at encouraging responsible social behaviours.

Research into city-wide programs that address quality of life concerns begins.
Work begins on violence reduction strategies.
Begin to gather data and research and share lessons learned. This work continues today.
Begin to identify and make changes to numerous processes, procedures and policies. This work continues today.
Initial studies related to alcohol, traffic safety, and transportation needs are completed. Studies continue today.
Development of an industry-driven, city-wide association that recognizes hospitality, dining and entertainment as an integrated economic engine. The association is active in 2006 and 2007.
In order to address venue and public safety concerns, the Edmonton Police Service, Fire Rescue Services, the Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission, and the City of Edmonton Community Standards branch begin discussions regarding sharing information.
The Public Safety Compliance Team (PSCT) is established.
Procedures for taxi loading areas are implemented for Whyte Avenue, with mixed results.
Planning begins for a patron responsibility campaign aimed at reinforcing positive social behaviours in late-night hospitality zones.

The Old Strathcona Task Force accomplishes the following work:
- Identifies 66 action steps to improve quality of life concerns (garbage, noise, public washrooms, permits).
- Identifies the need for outdoor seating, improved street lighting, and additional festival support.
- Identifies late-night transit as the most important issue contributing to conflicts as people wait and compete for a limited number of taxis late at night in Old Strathcona.

In response to community concerns, the Old Strathcona Task Force is established to address various issues including: community and civic services, quality of life for residents and visitors, and public safety. The Task Force is made up of representatives of the hospitality industry, businesses, residents and City services.

On Canada Day, 2001, several thousand revelers ended up on Whyte Avenue and create havoc on the street.