As a result of the increasing frustration of the Whitehorse business community, the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Department of Justice (Crime Prevention & Policing), the City of Whitehorse, the Department of Health & Social Services (Youth Justice) and the RCMP to address crime issues that specifically affect local businesses and the overall downtown community.  Through the efforts of these partners, a crime prevention Steering Committee and Working Group were established to create a crime prevention strategy specific to downtown Whitehorse which is the central core of business activity in the territory.  In November of 2007, a Project Coordinator position was also established to act as the overall coordinator, manager, and liaison for the initiative. 

Development of the strategy included a process of investigation, consultation, and analysis to form a clear and consistent understanding of the problem.  From these initial efforts, a coordinated, comprehensive and sustainable crime prevention strategy and communication plan has been developed to address the challenges of crime prevention in the downtown area.

Strategy Unveiled

The strategy was presented to the public on March 26, 2008. Work continues on the development of specific programs with the target of spring 2008 as the starting point for both the Anti-Graffiti and CPTED initiatives. The strategy will include yearly assessments and remain flexible so that it can respond to changing priorities, data, and feedback from the business community. If you would like to review the strategy, a PDF version is available here. (225KB PDF)

If you would like to voice your opinion about business crime prevention in Whitehorse or have suggestions that would assist us, please contact us through our office at the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, 667-7545 or e-mail us at crimepreventioncoordinator@whitehorsechamber.ca