The Calgary Police Service conducted another day-long enforcement blitz on Wednesday as part of its ongoing Safer Calgary – Operation Order initiative, expanding the effort beyond the downtown core for the first time. The operation targeted communities east of Deerfoot Trail and near Chinook Centre, including Forest Lawn and Sunalta, to address illicit behavior and improve public safety perceptions.
Operation Order Expands Beyond Downtown
After previous sweeps in November and February focused on downtown and East Village, Wednesday's operation marked a strategic shift. Police Chief Katie McLellan emphasized that crime and disorder are not confined to one area, and the police response must adapt accordingly. The initiative involves redeploying uniformed officers from other districts to temporarily increase patrols and visibility in targeted neighborhoods.
Results of the Blitz
As of noon Wednesday, officers had issued 20 court summonses, executed eight warrants, conducted 37 proactive community engagements, and made 16 referrals to social supports. No charges had been laid, but the operation was expected to continue into the evening. Chief McLellan stressed that Operation Order is not a one-day event but part of a long-term strategy to restore safety and order throughout Calgary.
Community Impact
Forest Lawn has recorded the third-highest crime rate among Calgary communities over the past two years, according to the CPS crime dashboard, with 441 crimes in 2024 and 447 in 2025. Violence in the downtown area has reached a six-year high, representing a 20% increase over the five-year average. The expansion of Operation Order was based on crime statistics and community advocacy.
“Social disorder and criminal behaviour will not define this city,” McLellan said at a news conference near International Avenue. “We continue to apply consistent pressure in the downtown core, while also adapting to what we see on the ground.”
