PUBLIC SAFETY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Proposed New Cannabis Retail Store
4782 Wyandotte Street East – Windsor, Ontario
Prepared by: Barry Horrobin, B.A., M.A., CLEP, CMM-III Director of Planning & Physical Resources – WINDSOR POLICE SERVICE
The following is a summary of observations, public safety issues that should be addressed, and recommended actions to be taken regarding the physical safety and security conditions associated with the proposed new Cannabis retail store proposed for Wyandotte Street East. Information provided here is based on the universally known principles of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and both vehicular and pedestrian traffic impact, according to prevailing data and known experience in forecasting public safety impacts.
KEY UNDERLYING CONDITIONS & IMPORTANT SAFETY DRIVERS
Situational Safety & Criminogenic Conditions
The property is situated within a commercial stretch of east Windsor within the Pillette Village BIA, near multi-residential land uses and adjacent to a busy fast food restaurant. The area experiences generally high amounts of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, with a physical placement that supports safe pedestrian accessibility to the front of the business. It backs, however, onto an alley exhibiting some signs of unlawful behaviour (graffiti) which may need addressing. This presents some anticipated public safety challenges needing attention; namely:
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The physical placement of the store property includes building access points to both Wyandotte Street East (front of store) and a rear alley (back of store). It will be very important that all public access to the store be restricted to the more visually accountable front entry point where ongoing natural surveillance capability is highest.
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The property has other businesses on each side, making its ability to safely accommodate larger crowds that could potentially spill over and block the sidewalk for passersby very important. If this occurs, a public safety problem could develop with pedestrians gathering in an unorganized manner, requiring attention by the applicant.