Public safety, particularly on Edmonton's transit system, has become a critical concern for residents and city officials alike. Mayor Andrew Knack and city councillors have repeatedly identified it as a top issue raised during the recent municipal election.
A New Tool for Transit Security
To address these risks, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has partnered with geographical mapping company Esri Canada to develop an innovative underground tracking system. This new tool, known as the Edmonton Transit Enhanced Community Safety System (ETECS), is designed to help police coordinate their responses at Churchill Station.
ETECS functions as a proof-of-concept community safety system that utilizes advanced geographic information system (GIS) capabilities. It enables real-time mapping, indoor tracking, and the creation of digital twins to enhance safety in transit environments. The system is currently in its final testing phase.
How the Enhanced Safety System Works
According to EPS communications adviser Cheryl Voordenhout, the project has been in development for three years and implemented over the last two. The system relays information to officers via smartphones, allowing them to locate themselves and their colleagues through a dedicated dashboard. This dashboard also integrates live video surveillance feeds from the station.
The primary goal is to track officers in real time as they navigate the underground Churchill Station complex. Voordenhout confirmed that the prototype applications developed through ETECS could be deployed by communities across Canada to improve safety in various indoor environments, including pedestrian walkways, shopping malls, and stadiums.
The Need for Enhanced Safety Measures
The focus on Churchill Station is data-driven. According to the EPS community safety data portal, Churchill Station reported 600 of the 2,985 total occurrences across all Edmonton LRT stations. A detailed breakdown of these 600 incidents reveals:
- 40 individuals found with outstanding warrants or in breach of release conditions
- 23 weapons violations
- 21 cases of personal violence
- 17 cases of causing general disorder
- 12 drug violations
Other incidents included property crimes, extortion, threats, missing persons, and mental health incidents. However, the vast majority—433 incidents—were categorized as other occurrences that still resulted in an arrest or a person being taken into custody.
While the system is currently focused on Churchill Station, EPS is exploring its potential implementation at additional indoor and underground stations. Voordenhout noted that any expansion would depend on future funding availability and stakeholder approval.
