We own two properties in downtown Moncton, and both have been significantly affected by ongoing safety and vandalism issues. Our Main Street property—operated as an Airbnb—was broken into on two separate occasions. In both instances, the individual smashed a window to gain entry, barricaded themselves inside, caused extensive damage, and engaged in drug use. Beyond the costly repairs and deep cleaning that followed, we also suffered substantial income loss from cancelled bookings, including a full-month reservation. The guest, who was visiting from the West Coast, was not only alarmed by the break-ins but by the general state of downtown Moncton.

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Our second property, a clinic located on John Street, faces similar challenges. We routinely deal with trespassing and squatting around the building and must regularly clean up garbage left behind. It is also common for us to call by-law enforcement to remove dirty needles from the property.

Just in the past week, someone sneaked into our building during an event, possibly to hide or sleep in a basement washroom, triggering the alarm at 3:20 a.m. Shortly after, thieves cut the fencing around our outdoor mini-splits to steal copper lines from two of our machines.

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We have also experienced other issues, such as human feces and minor vandalism. Our elderly members feel very nervous entering and leaving the building in the evening due to the crime. Additionally, people often use drugs on our front steps, as it provides a bit of shelter.

I have seen a multitude of things. I’ve seen a co worker get punched in the face. I’ve seen people start fires in trees and in a home where they knew people were inside. I’ve seen open drug use almost daily and needle and drugs pipes strewn all over my neighborhood and on my property. I’ve had people attempt to break into my property, however my dog prevented this. I’ve seen people passed out and contorted for hours regularly. I’ve seen people pull guns on other people. People having sex publicly (often with one party not being of able mind to consent). I’ve seen people walk into my very senior and disabled neighbour’s home. I’ve seen someone try run over another individual with a car and crash into the brick wall of Jean Coutu on High street. People walk by my home with stolen items regularly. People go by wielding weapons. I could go on and on.

Our hotel property, both inside and outside, has experienced repeated security incidents. Guests and staff have faced harassment and threats, vehicles have been damaged or broken into with items stolen, and parts of the building have been vandalized.

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Visitors who have been to the area in the past regularly express concern about how the safety situation has changed over the past few years.

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The visitor economy is critical to the region’s economic vitality, with over $1.5 billion in projected visitor spending this year, but it is put at risk by the actions of a small number of individuals who act with little regard for the law.

I own a small business in the downtown area, and over the years I’ve dealt with repeated break-ins, fires, theft, and harassment. In the past year, one individual repeatedly targeted my store, harassing staff and stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise. This has taken a serious toll not only on my business but also on the wellbeing of my employees and customers. When the police finally caught the individual in the act, I pressed charges. Despite confirmation from police that the person had stolen from multiple businesses in the area, the charges were dismissed, and they were released.

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The ongoing homelessness crisis is directly affecting downtown businesses like mine. It impacts our security, financial stability, and peace of mind. My staff and I have endured significant stress and frequent interruptions to our operations. When I call dispatch for help, I’m often asked if anyone is being physically harmed; if not, we are sometimes forced to wait hours for police while employees and customers face aggressive or erratic behavior in the store.

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We’ve reached the point where we sometimes must keep our doors locked during business hours for safety. Employees feel unsafe working alone or at night. I’ve urged my landlord to hire full-time security and have even considered covering the cost myself, which is an unreasonable burden for a small business.