Crime prevention studies have shown that poor lighting creates an environment that attracts property crimes like vandalism and theft. They have also shown that darkness can make people feel insecure and prevent them from using public spaces. And when people aren’t out enjoying their neighbourhoods, crime can increase again.

In addition to preventing crime, improved lighting can benefit neighbourhoods in other ways. It can be beautiful. It can lift people’s spirits. It can identify and highlight an important neighbourhood space. And it can improve neighbourhood cohesion and pride. One great example in McCauley are the trees in Giovanni Caboto Park, brightly lit in the colours of Italy’s flag.

Motivated by the many benefits of improved lighting, Safer McCauley and the McCauley Community League have partnered to launch a neighbourhood-wide lighting campaign called “Light Up McCauley.” The first evidence of this campaign is the beautiful string of Edison bulbs surrounding the McCauley Rink.

“Light Up McCauley” is not a one-time project. Instead, the campaign, supported by funding from City of Edmonton McCauley Revitalization, will carry on indefinitely through a series of projects. 300 units of solar-powered, motion-activated lighting are currently being provided free of charge to businesses in the Chinatown Business Improvement Area, with the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative Society giving support with installation.

Other projects in the campaign include the distribution of decorative lights and motion-activated lights free of charge to McCauley residents, support for neighbour-driven alley lighting parties, and additional lighting in Giovanni Caboto Park.

Stay tuned to @SaferMcCauley and @McCauleyCommunityLeague on Facebook for more information about the “Light Up McCauley” campaign.

_Mark is the Program Manager for REACH Edmonton’s Neighbourhood Organizing Initiative.
Alice is the President of the McCauley Community League Board._