A new program in Moncton, N.B., aims to help small businesses that have been affected by local crime. The City of Moncton will fund the Downtown Resilience Program, providing $250,000 annually to local businesses to recover from several types of crime, as well as fund safety improvements to prevent future incidents. “It’s an opportunity for business owners to get support with criminal activity,” says Patrick Richard, executive director of Downtown Moncton Centreville Inc. Speaking with CTV, Richard notes the project is modelled on a similar program used in Saint John, N.B. “This program represents an important investment in our downtown businesses and the long-term strength of our urban core,” Richard says in a news release Tuesday. There’s a big need in the city’s business community according to Richard, who adds business owners have already reached out. “We know anecdotally that there are some stories of businesses that have been affected by crime and windows that have been smashed and vandalism and things like that,” he says. “Our downtown businesses have been open with us about the challenges they are facing and this initiative is one way in which we are responding to those concerns,” says Moncton Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault. Eligible businesses within the Downtown Moncton Business Improvement Area are able to receive up to $5,000 per property per calendar year to help recover from damage including: Small business owner Jo-Anne Phillips has dealt with break-ins, theft and vandalism at one of her downtown properties on multiple occasions. She thinks the city’s pilot project is a good gesture, but says the funds are not being directed in the right way. “What are we really doing to address the issue?” she asks. “The businesses are still going to be fleeing from downtown as long as we don’t deal with this crime issue.” Phillips, who is a member of the Moncton-based Enough is Enough anti-crime coalition, believes money needs to be invested in policing to prevent crime from happening in the first place. As to whether or not $5,000 in funding for damage and recovery is enough, Richard says that’s something that will be re-assessed in the next three to six months. “Are the amounts enough, are they high enough? We think they are, but time will tell,” he says. The two-year pilot program will also offer supports to add preventative safety measures in hopes of reducing repeat incidents. “By supporting both recovery and prevention, we are helping businesses feel supported today while building a stronger, more resilient downtown for the future,” says Richard. Businesses can receive funding for up to 50 per cent of project costs with a maximum of $10,000 per year. These projects could include: Eric Effinger is the operations director for Brix Experience on St. George Street. He says it’s a big positive the city is investing and building a better downtown. “This is the social hub of Moncton. It’s really important,” says Effinger. “It just shows their commitment to making this a world-class city and a great economic and social hub.” Effinger says they’ve been very fortunate and haven’t had to deal with much crime at Brix. “But that being said, I do know it exists and it’s like any other downtown anywhere in the country. We have our issues and concerns,” he adds. Good Day Gifts & Housewares owner Alix Caissie also thinks the pilot project is a plus for the business community. She says the Main Street shop has had a few issues in the past, but nothing major. “I think any program that can help small business is going to be a benefit. We all come across small issues al the time and having that resource is going to be really beneficial,” she says. Businesses can apply for the program on the City of Moncton’s website. With files from CTV Atlantic’s Derek Haggett For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
