In Calgary, Marika Styba, the owner of Peaseblossoms Flowers, finds herself navigating a landscape tinged with uncertainty. Once a vibrant hub for community interaction, her floral shop now faces a staggering 50% decline in walk-in customers over the past four years. The reasons for this downturn are multifaceted, with rising crime rates and public safety concerns casting a long shadow over small businesses in the area.
A Community in Transition
For Styba, the joy of running a flower shop extends beyond the blooms and bouquets. The connections she fosters with her customers are integral to her business ethos. “Having a small business isn’t just about the transactions; it’s about being part of a community,” she reflects. Her shop has become a meeting point for locals, including children stopping by after school and neighbours seeking a moment of companionship.
However, the fabric of this community is fraying. Styba attributes the significant drop in foot traffic to growing unease among potential customers. “We already have so many reasons why people don’t want to shop in established neighbourhoods,” she laments, pointing to an alarming rise in public drug use, vandalism, and even instances of arson to keep warm during colder months.
Rising Crime: A National Concern
A recent report released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) underscores the widespread nature of this crisis. In a survey of approximately 2,500 small businesses across Canada, nearly half reported an increase in crime within their communities over the past year. Alarmingly, only 2% noted any decrease. Kayode Southwood, senior policy analyst with the CFIB, states, “It’s a daily reality that crime is reshaping how their business operates and how they serve their customers.”
Statistics Canada corroborates these concerns, revealing a staggering 66% surge in shoplifting incidents from 2014 to 2024. Irvin Waller, an emeritus criminology professor at the University of Ottawa, attributes part of this upsurge to rising homelessness and poverty levels, with nearly 60,000 individuals experiencing homelessness across 74 Canadian communities in 2024.
Local Business Owners React
The impact of crime is not just statistical; it is profoundly personal for business owners like Styba. Each morning presents new challenges as she finds herself clearing her alleyway of unhoused individuals seeking shelter. “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 shares, highlighting the duality of her predicament. “When someone doesn’t want to come to your door because they don’t feel comfortable, you’re literally losing your dream.”
Other small business owners echo her sentiments. Dan Koenig, who runs Legacy Meats in Lethbridge, Alberta, reports similar frustrations. He finds himself dealing with public drug use and aggressive behaviour multiple times a week, which he believes deters customers from approaching his shop. “It feels somewhat lawless,” he comments, having raised these issues with his local city council. “When I see police driving by and not intervening, it becomes quite disconcerting.”
Seeking Solutions
The CFIB’s findings reveal that 77% of business owners feel their tax contributions do not result in enhanced safety within their communities. Furthermore, only 34% express satisfaction with police response times. There is a growing consensus among small business owners that the government must take meaningful action to address these challenges. “It’s important that governments look at these areas and come up with meaningful solutions that can help prevent these issues,” Southwood asserts.
In the face of adversity, Styba has taken proactive measures to ensure her store remains inviting. She keeps the lights on and promptly addresses graffiti that mars her storefront. “I can make it welcoming and inviting,” she affirms, “but if people aren’t going to come down, I can’t make them.”
Why it Matters
The plight of small businesses like Peaseblossoms Flowers reflects a broader societal issue that extends far beyond individual shops. As crime rates rise and public safety concerns mount, the very essence of community is under threat. Small businesses are not just economic entities; they are the heart of neighbourhoods, fostering connections and enriching local culture. If these establishments continue to struggle, the vibrancy and cohesion of our communities may be irreparably damaged. Addressing the root causes of this crisis is essential to protect not only the livelihoods of business owners but also the social fabric that binds us together.
