Residents join authorities, officials to discuss social disorder around Savanna Bazaar

A seemingly ordinary strip mall in northeast Calgary has become a hub for social disorder, prompting concerns from local residents and businesses.

They say they love their community and they're willing to fight for it.

On Thursday night, dozens of Saddle Ridge residents gathered in a known trouble spot, the Savanna Bazaar strip mall, plagued by social disorder, especially at night.

There are noisy cars, partying, open liquor and according to some, even drugs.

"We're tired of all the racing and the drugs that are happening in this area," said Michael, an area resident.

"Every night, all we hear is the burnouts, the racing up and down the street.

"Our kids can't come here without being offered crack cocaine. My son's been offered that more than one time, coming here, from people in these high-performance cars."

The Savanna Bazaar, located about three kilometres east of the Calgary airport, has been the home of disruptive behaviour for more than a year.

Those living nearby like Khushboo Singh say it is particularly unruly on weekends and holidays.

She's particularly worried about her children, who frequently play outside in the area.

"People are driving very fast, and they are not noticing the pedestrians. They are just taking their bikes and their cars and all the time speeding," Singh said.

"We think that there should be more police around and checking the area, especially after 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. ... Because that's when all the noise starts."

More than 100 concerned residents and business owners met with area councillor Raj Dhaliwal, police, the city and bylaw to voice concerns and ask questions about how to deal with the problem.

It has deteriorated to the point where a community safety officer is now dedicated to managing complaints from the area.

Police say they wanted to hear from citizens, but admit resources are stretched thin.

"It's obviously a very personal and deep matter to the residents in the community," said Sgt. Ahmed Shahein with the Calgary Police Service.

"You could sense the emotion – feel the emotion – when it came to people's safety and their children. ... I really hope that it was conveyed to them that we are taking this very seriously."

Shahein says police have been responding to calls, but often, when they do, the behaviour stops, making enforcement difficult, but he's hopeful of changes that have already been made or are on the way.

"In the last little bit, in conjunction with the councillor's office (and) in conjunction with the board of directors of this plaza, there's new elements that have been added," Shahein said.

"There's speed bumps. ... There's signage, there's going to be lighting, there's going to be all kinds of different things that are going to be added.

"From a policing perspective, we're still here, still enforcing, still present."

Dhaliwal adds that the large turnout for Thursday's public hearing was "a testament to people's concerns" and he believes the infrastructure changes in the area will be a good start to improving safety.

"This plaza appeals to lots of different people and different crowds. There's a lot of choices for food and different stores for people to congregate but this is affecting people's lifestyles. They're worried because these cars are altered and they're making such high-decibel noises," he said.

"So I keep saying to residents, this is going to be a collective effort and it's not just about one partner, it's about all of us coming together. I'm committed to making our neighbourhood a better place to live, work and play.

Another meeting is planned for September 27.

With files by Kevin Green