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Marika Styba, the heart and soul behind Peaseblossoms Flowers in Calgary, finds herself in a vibrant yet increasingly challenging environment. Over the past four years, the florist has witnessed a staggering 50 per cent drop in walk-in customer traffic, a trend she attributes to growing safety concerns in her neighbourhood. With the spectre of public drug use, vandalism, and break-ins looming large, Ms. Styba shares her struggle to maintain her connection to the community while grappling with the harsh realities of operating a small business in these uncertain times.
A Community Anchor in Crisis
For Ms. Styba, being a florist transcends the mere act of arranging flowers; it embodies a deep connection to the community. “Having a small business isn’t just about selling products,” she explains. “It’s about being part of a community. We provide eyes on the street because we are there at the ground level daily.” Yet, the vibrancy of her shop is overshadowed by a palpable fear that has begun to infiltrate the area.
This sentiment is echoed in a recent report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which found that nearly half of small business owners believe crime has increased in their communities over the past year. A survey conducted in October 2025 revealed that only 2 per cent of respondents reported a decrease in crime. Kayode Southwood, a senior policy analyst with the federation, remarked, “For a lot of these business owners, their main storefront is their livelihood. There’s no real option for them to be able to up and move or rely on another location.”
The Harsh Reality of Rising Crime Rates
Statistics Canada has reported a dramatic 66 per cent surge in shoplifting incidents from 2014 to 2024, a stark reflection of the broader societal issues at play. Emeritus criminology professor Irvin Waller attributes this spike to rising homelessness and poverty, stating, “Poverty is a reason that prolific offenders commit property offences.” Current estimates indicate that nearly 60,000 individuals across 74 Canadian communities are experiencing homelessness, a situation that intersects with issues of mental health and substance abuse.
In her daily routine, Ms. Styba often finds herself unloading flowers while simultaneously calling city bylaw officials to relocate individuals who have sought refuge in her alleyway. “There’s a part of you that’s compassionate, and then there’s another part of you that says, ‘I have bills to pay,’” she reflects. “When someone doesn’t want to come to your door because they don’t feel comfortable, you’re literally losing your dream.”
Adapting to a New Normal
Many small businesses are adapting their operations in response to increasing crime. Some, like Ms. Styba’s Peaseblossoms, have enhanced security measures, keeping their storefronts well-lit and promptly addressing graffiti. Others have altered employee shifts or moved to appointment-only services to bolster safety. Dan Koenig, who owns Legacy Meats in Lethbridge, Alberta, reported that he has begun documenting incidents of public drug use occurring near his store, which he encounters up to twice a week.
“The atmosphere feels somewhat lawless,” Koenig lamented, having recently voiced his concerns at a city council meeting. “When I see police driving by and not intervening, it becomes quite disconcerting and depressing.”
A Call for Change
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports that 77 per cent of small business owners feel their taxes do not equate to improved community safety. Furthermore, only 34 per cent express satisfaction with police response times. The overwhelming majority—89 per cent—believe the federal government should impose stricter penalties for retail-related crimes. “A lot of businesses across the country see the same things every day and they wonder why nothing’s being done to address it,” Southwood stated.
In light of these statistics, the call for systemic change becomes increasingly urgent. Ms. Styba continues to do her best to create a welcoming environment, but she acknowledges the limits of her agency. “I can make it inviting,” she concludes. “But if people aren’t going to come down, I can’t make them.”
Why it Matters
The struggles faced by small business owners like Marika Styba serve as a microcosm of broader societal issues that require urgent attention. As communities grapple with rising crime and safety concerns, the implications extend far beyond individual businesses; they reflect a crisis of confidence in public safety and community cohesion. Addressing these challenges is essential not only for the survival of local enterprises but also for fostering a sense of belonging and security within our neighbourhoods. Without concerted action from both local authorities and community members, the dream of vibrant, thriving neighbourhoods may continue to fade.
