The business community in downtown Moncton, New Brunswick is demanding urgent action from all levels of government, warning that an alarming surge in crime is creating a financial crisis for local enterprises – including a leap in insurance costs.
The newly formed Enough is Enough Coalition, comprising business owners, landlords, and property managers, issued a statement last week claiming the crime wave has already cost the sector "millions of dollars" in added security costs, higher insurance premiums, and lost revenue.
Patrick Gillespie, president of Ashford Properties and spokesperson for the coalition, painted a bleak picture of the downtown core.
"I could tour you around. I’ve got broken windows all over the place. I’ve got graffiti and garbage strewn everywhere," Gillespie told CTV News, calling the situation a "crisis".
The coalition asserts that property damage and theft are adding a prohibitive layer of expense to businesses already navigating a challenging economic climate marked by inflation and rising operating costs.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, small business insurance premiums nationwide rose an average of 11% between 2020 and 2023, a trend driven by increased claims for vandalism and theft.
For Moncton businesses, this rapidly escalates costs when combined with new security systems and cleanup expenses.
"We have to take a zero-tolerance position relative to crime because now folks are just getting away with things and there’s nothing happening," Gillespie stated, arguing that the lack of enforcement is fuelling the cycle of crime.
The coalition’s online petition, which has already garnered approximately 1,000 signatures, is calling for stronger enforcement and invites residents to share their stories.
While acknowledging that issues like homelessness and addiction are complex, members stress the need for clear boundaries to protect workers and customers.
"We’re not targeting any particular group. We’re targeting crime," Gillespie clarified. "If there’s a crime committed, we want action taken and the person who perpetrated the crime punished."
For property owners like Jo-Anne Phillips, the situation presents a personal conflict.
"Your heart, your humanity side wants to help, but on the other hand am I going to be compromised if I do?" she asked, supporting the push for a "serious, organized systematic approach."
City of Moncton spokesperson Aloma Jardine acknowledged the community’s frustration and committed to meeting with the coalition soon.
Jardine noted the city is actively collaborating with the province to address both social and public safety issues, supporting the province’s task force on homelessness.
