PUBLIC SAFETY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Proposed New Cannabis Retail Store 3395 Howard Avenue – 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 in south Windsor, just south of the Devonshire Mall area. 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 an existing commercial plaza in south Windsor, just south of a large commercial area but also immediately surrounded by a quieter, low-density residential neighbourhood. Its physical placement supports reasonably orderly and safe pedestrian and vehicular accessibility to the business but a potentially complicating factor is that it backs onto a thick wooded area directly to the south of the plaza which could generate loitering or other forms of unlawful behaviour if not monitored and managed. The site does present some anticipated public safety challenges that need addressing; in particular:
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The physical placement of the store within the commercial plaza is in an area of Howard Avenue that can experience traffic backups due to its proximity to the nearby Devonshire Mall and Roundhouse Centre sites. Both are very large scale retail properties that regularly attract considerable vehicular and pedestrian traffic. It will be very important to ensure the safe accessing of vehicles can be maintained.