While making major investments to improve the visitor experience, officials with Elm Place Mall in downtown Sudbury say they have seen repeated vandalism, theft and open drug use. Its owners are asking the city to help. Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre said July 27 that he and others on city council received a letter from mall management at Vista Hospitality, the owners of Elm Place Mall. “We’re taking this very seriously. We’re going to continue because I’ve always said that a healthy city is one that has a healthy downtown and, certainly, a safe downtown,” Lefebvre said. “That’s your heartbeat of your city. We’re going to continue ensuring that people feel safe here.” The letter said the mall has “deep concern” about the decline in public safety downtown and the growing impact on businesses, workers and customers. While the property manager at Elm Place didn’t want to appear on camera, he did confirm several incidents outlined in the letter, including a recent assault of a maintenance worker. Vista Hospitality said it’s “invested significantly” in private security, surveillance systems and other measures, but problems persist. “Public safety is ultimately a shared responsibility, and the current situation requires a stronger and more coordinated response from the city and its partners,” the letter said. Retail crime extends beyond downtown In a statement, Downtown Sudbury said retail crime is a problem that extends beyond downtown. “This reality has been made clear by recent viral posts, such as the brazen theft from the LCBO in the Hanmer Mall,” the statement said. “Businesses across the entire region are facing these exact same hurdles, and we recognize the immense strain it puts on local retail owners and staff.” The issue has drawn a response from both the federal and provincial governments, which have passed legislation aimed at dealing with the issue, Downtown Sudbury said. “Particularly, it is important that downtown is not only safe but feels safe for residents, employees, and businesses,” Kendra MacIsaac, co-chair of the Downtown Sudbury BIA, said in the statement. “Downtown is the first impression many have of a community, and it’s essential that we make sure it’s a welcoming environment to live, work and play in.” Lefebvre said an effort is underway to increase safety downtown. “There are a lot of investments that are being made downtown, a lot of excitement happening downtown, a lot of arts and entertainment happening downtown,” he said. “However, there are these instances that happened that taint all the efforts that have been made by a lot of people.” Graffiti, property damage, trespassing Mall management said it appreciates the “professionalism and swift response” from the Greater Sudbury Police Service, but the challenge remains for businesses operating in the area. “How can businesses encourage people to work, shop, visit or invest in the downtown core when they increasingly fear for their safety?” the letter said. “Graffiti, property damage, repeated trespassing and increased cleaning costs have become routine operating expenses.” Vista is urging city council to make public safety a top priority and come up with lasting solutions to restore confidence in the downtown. “We respectfully ask city council to treat this issue with the urgency it deserves,” the letter said. Specifically, the mall wants increased police visibility, more foot patrols, stronger enforcement of existing bylaws and improved outreach. Lefebvre said it’s a challenge because of the broader issues in the municipality. “It comes back (to) housing,” he said. People are struggling with getting housing, support and “ensuring that the people have purpose and that’s a challenge when they’re dealing with mental health and addictions,” the mayor said. Mall management said it has been working to improve the experience at Elm Place Mall. There is a medical and office complex with agencies and services that help bring patients and clients into the space. Several new tenants will move in this fall, including the Sudbury Pickleball Club with seven new indoor courts. And construction crews continue to work on a multi-million-dollar overhaul of the parking facility.
