Safe Streets

Overview

The Safe Streets Initiative aimed to address concerns regarding safety in downtown Brantford. The project explored whether the area was genuinely unsafe or if negative perceptions contributed to the issue. By leveraging research, community insights, and urban design strategies, the initiative sought to create tangible improvements that enhance the perception and reality of safety in the city.

I worked with Zehra Noor, Namir Khan, and Adria Porter on this project.
Our client was Danette Dalton from the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie.

Problem Statement

Downtown Brantford has been perceived as unsafe by residents, primarily due to factors such as social disorder, low lighting, trash accumulation, and urban decay.

However, research indicated that actual crime rates, particularly violent crimes, were relatively low. Brantford, with a total population of 109,861, reports that only 6% of total crimes are violent crimes, with just 9.5% of violent crimes classified as assaults. Drug-related crimes make up a mere 0.5% of reported offenses.

This difference between perception and reality led to the central question:
How can we make downtown Brantford “feel” safer?

Design Process

Research & Insights:

Conducted interviews with experts, including Dr. Carrie Sanders who is a director for the Centre for Research on Security Practices (CRSP) and a criminology professor, to understand crime statistics and community concerns.
Analyzed data on crime rates, homelessness, and urban safety indicators, estimating that the number of homeless individuals in Brantford is in the hundreds.
Studied successful urban revitalization projects like Kokomo, Indiana (population 57,799), that have used strategic placemaking techniques to great effect in transforming its downtown.

Identifying Key Issues:

Our group took a trip to Paris, ON to see how their downtown was compared to Brantford. We captured some pictures and it confirmed our cues.

Undesirable cues: Social disorder (e.g., shouting in public), boarded up/broken windows, low lighting, graffiti, litter, and odd smells.

Desirable cues: Clean streets, greenery, well-lit areas, cultural engagement, increased foot traffic.

Proposed Solutions:

Street Cleaning Initiatives:

Partnering with Laurier clubs such as Eco Hawks and Project Uhuru, neighborhood associations (24 in total), and environmental organizations like A Greener Future.
Underground trash receptacles are another way for the city to stay cleaner. We have some of these already in Brantford and 60% of the main body is underground. Could install more with the street rennovations.

Improved Lighting:

Installing self-cleaning solar-powered streetlights at an estimated cost of $2,000-$4,000 with installations, funded through grants and local fundraising.
In Paris ON, there was lots of street lights and at a much closer distance from each other. This will ensure people feel safe walking around at night. We need to install more lighting in Brantford downtown and the solar streetlights could be a good solution.

Green Spaces:

Implementing a “Buy a Plant” program where community members sponsor plants ($7.50-$8 per plant) for urban beautification, including species like Blue Wild Indigo, Canada Anemone, and Red Oak trees.
The City of Burlington's “Adopt-a-Flowerbed” program allows community groups, businesses, and schools to contribute to city beautification through an annual financial donation. In return, an “Adopted by” sign is placed in the flowerbed, while city staff handle plant maintenance.

Increased Foot Traffic:

Having regular events take place in the downtown core (Victoria Park, Harmony Square, etc.)
Getting the word out about local events could help gain foot traffic (social media, fliers, posters, etc)

Outcome

Could apply for funding in the near future. Did some research on different funds and the best one for our project was My Main Street Community Activator which is funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. The maximum amount is $250,000 and it's to increase local vibrancy. Even though it did close back in 2024, if something like this opened up we would want to apply.
Taking our proposal to the city and seeing what changes we could implement.
Success metrics were defined, including:

85-90% of all trash receptacles are changed to the underground style
Garbage on the streets is reduced 10% every 6 months
80% of all street lights are converted to solar power
50% increase in the number of plants in flowerbeds within 6 months
Foot traffic increase in Harmony Square from 80 000 a year to 110 000

This is what an alley could look
like with our changes:
This alley is next to Market-Darling Centre.

‍Proposed measures aim to significantly
increase foot traffic, improve lighting
conditions, and create a cleaner, more
welcoming downtown environment.

Reflection

The Safe Streets Initiative highlighted the power of perception in shaping urban safety. Research-based solutions can effectively counter misconceptions and create real improvements in public spaces. The project underscored the importance of community collaboration, funding opportunities, and sustainable urban planning. Future steps involve implementing and tracking the success of these solutions to ensure lasting positive change for downtown Brantford.