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Neighbourhood Watch – 6 Years Strong!
Six years ago, my family was brand new to the community. Like many newcomers, we didn’t know what to expect — but it didn’t take long to realize we’d landed somewhere truly special. From spontaneous chats with neighbours on the sidewalk, to kids forming instant friendships at the playground, to small gestures like carolers braving a frigid -20°C just to spread cheer — we felt right at home from day one. As the years have gone by, one thing has remained clear: this is a neighbourhood that looks out for one another. And now, we’re growing. Fast. With exciting development continuing at Century Park, we’re seeing more amenities, new neighbours, and a revitalized energy in our area. That’s something to celebrate! But with that growth comes a few new challenges. Our streets are busier, traffic has picked up, and parking is tighter than it used to be. Through it all, our neighbourhood remains full of young families and active kids — walking to school, riding bikes, playing street hockey, and chasing each other through the parks. So as we adjust to this next phase in our community’s life, let’s remember to slow down, be patient, and keep safety top of mind. You may have noticed the new traffic speedometers on 106 Street reminding drivers to reduce speed. It’s a small but important reminder that we’re sharing these streets with children and pedestrians — and every moment of mindfulness behind the wheel can make a difference. Let’s continue to show why Steinhauer and Ermineskin are such great places to live — not just because of where we are, but because of who we are as neighbours. _____________________________________________________________________________________ When I first got involved with the Neighbourhood Watch program alongside Dave Long, it was because of a troubling rise in petty crime and an incident near Steinhauer School that hit close to home. As a parent, I knew I couldn’t just sit back. So we stepped forward, joined forces with EPS and the Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch Program Society, and received the support of our Community League to serve as official Neighbourhood Watch Ambassadors. Six years later, I’m proud to say that effort has paid off. Our program is active, growing, and making a meaningful impact. We’ve seen more residents getting involved, more eyes on the street, and a stronger sense of community awareness. While no program can eliminate crime entirely, we’ve taken real steps toward making our neighbourhood safer — and less attractive to would-be criminals. Some of the most effective strategies have been the simplest. Here are the three principles we still live by and encourage everyone to adopt: 1. Know your neighbours. Make it a point to learn the names of the eight homes surrounding yours. A familiar face can be the first line of defense — and the first step toward community trust. 2. Stay connected. Exchange phone numbers and emails, attend a block meeting, or just check in with each other. When something feels off, it helps to have someone to call. Especially in emergencies. 3. Remove opportunity. Most of the crimes we see are crimes of opportunity — unlocked cars, open garages, and easy targets. A locked door and a little extra vigilance go a long way. _____________________________________________________________________________________ As we look ahead, your involvement matters more than ever. Whether it’s by volunteering a bit of your time, sharing resources, helping distribute updates, or just continuing to look out for your block — every effort adds up. Have questions? Want to get involved? Reach out to us at [email protected] Or join us on Facebook: Ermineskin - Steinhauer Neighborhood Watch Or call the Ermineskin Community League Office at 780-438-6623 Let’s continue to build a neighbourhood where safety, kindness, and connection come first. Here’s to six strong years — and many more to come! Warm regards, Neil Thompson Neighbourhood Watch Ambassador Ermineskin-Steinhauer |
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