.png)
Soaking up these last few days of warm weather in Calgary means more time outside: festival season, patios, concerts, parks, pathways, and more. Everyone should feel safe enjoying these moments in our city, no matter where they are.
Recently, stories like this one shared by Calgary women have reminded us as a community that personal safety isn’t something to take for granted. These incidents speak to the shared experience of not always feeling secure when walking alone, especially at night or in less-busy areas. We hear that. And we don’t want that fear to take away your ability to enjoy the season.
Our security teams work across Calgary year-round patrolling construction sites, staffing major events, overseeing parking lots, securing residential properties, and keeping a visible, approachable presence in high-traffic areas. If you ever see our team out in the field, know that we’re here to help. You can always come to us with questions or concerns, we’ve got your back.
And if you’re not on an XA-guarded site? Here are a few ways to stay safer while enjoying the city:
Stay aware and present
Although it’s tempting to put your favourite playlist on full blast on our commutes, when we find ourselves in uncertain situations, it’s crucial to omit as many distractions like texting or loud music as we can when walking alone. Consider taking out one AirPod or utilizing the Transparency audio settings to enhance your ability to tune into your surroundings.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, finding an exit strategy that works for you is always the best decision. That could mean calling a friend to stay on the phone with you, stepping into a nearby business, or simply finding a fast exit. Whatever it is, making the safe choice is always the right one.
Take a self-defence or personal safety course
Learning how to respond to confrontation builds confidence. Calgary options include:
Plan your route in advance and let your people know
Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid shortcuts through alleys or isolated paths. Let someone know where you're headed and your estimated arrival time. Apps like Google Maps offer live route tracking and public transit options if you need a quick alternative.
Download a personal safety app
Apps like FindMy, GetHomeSafe, and Haven allow for different forms of tracking to ensure your loved ones are in the know and are able to find you easily, should you need to reach out for help. The Uber app also has a function to have a friend track your ride, sending them push notifications about your ETA and arrival.
Know how to get help fast
Familiarize yourself with your phone’s Emergency SOS features:
If you feel unsafe, it’s usually best to go to people, not places. Walk toward populated areas and speak to someone: a store employee, a server, or a security guard. If you’re at an event and see any member of our team, you can always approach us for help or simply stay nearby until you feel comfortable again. We’re here to support you.
Carry a legal personal safety tool
If you’ve found yourself feeling unsafe regularly, even with all of these strategies, it may be time to adopt and learn to properly utilize a legal personal safety tool. In Alberta, bear spray and pepper spray are not legal for personal self-defence. Instead, consider:
When it comes to personal safety tools, understanding how and when to properly use them is crucial. If you’re looking for more information, we recommend reaching out to your local law enforcement for the full breakdown.
You deserve to enjoy everything this season brings with confidence. As a company rooted in community safety, we’ll keep showing up where it matters most - creating safer spaces one shift, one event, and one patrol at a time.
See you out there.
