Needle debris was identified as a concern by McCauley community members. Safer McCauley has convened 16 organizations to collaborate and co-design improved responses to the concern. Two meetings have taken place. We would like to share some positive outcomes with you.

• Boyle Street Ventures has confirmed that they will pick up stray needles from private property. Service is available Monday to Friday (9am to 4pm) and Saturday (9am to noon). Community members can call Boyle Street Ventures at 780-426-0500 to access service.
• City of Edmonton’s 311 has adjusted its script to reflect the above-mentioned service. Calls to 311 requesting needle clean up on private property will be referred to Boyle Street Ventures. Capital City Cleanup will continue to respond to calls regarding needles on public property.
• The Mustard Seed and Boyle Street Ventures have crews proactively cleaning up needle debris on public property in McCauley. A conversation is underway to expand this service, to bring more organizations into the work, and to co-design a coordinated model for the work.
• We continue to encourage community members to practice safe needle disposal. If your household requires a sharps container, please let me know.

Safer McCauley would like to recognize the following partners for their valuable contributions to the ongoing conversation: 24/7 Crisis Diversion, Alberta Addicts Who Educate and Advocate Responsibly, Bissell Centre, Boyle McCauley Health Centre, Boyle Street Community Services, City of Edmonton’s Capital City Clean Up, Edmonton Police Service, George Spady Centre, McCauley Community League, McCauley Litter Squad, McCauley Revitalization, Mustard Seed Street Works, and Ward 6 Councillor’s Office.

Mark is REACH Edmonton’s McCauley Community Convener. He can be contacted at mark.davis@reachedmonton.ca