The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce is calling on businesses across the city to complete its newly launched Crime Impacts Survey, an independent initiative designed to gather accurate, firsthand data on the financial, operational, and emotional toll crime is taking on the local business community.

The results will directly inform the chamber’s advocacy efforts and strengthen its partnerships on behalf of Cranbrook businesses.

The survey was introduced earlier this week at a meeting held in response to a grassroots effort led by businesses in one section of Industrial Park. The gathering demonstrated the power of collaboration between local businesses, community partners, and the chamber to advance meaningful, solution-focused progress on issues related to crime and public safety.

The survey is intended to calculate the real costs of crime and the information collected will help quantify:

• Financial impacts, including direct and indirect costs;
• Operational disruptions;
• Emotional and psychological impacts on business owners and employees.

“This data is essential for building informed, credible advocacy that reflects the true experiences of our business community,” said Executive Director Stacey Brensrud.

“This first meeting was about formalizing the neighbourhood collaboration that businesses had organically launched. I am forever a proponent of progress through structure, to advance change that is sustainable and measurable. Issues with crime are complex – I am confident that the chamber can support these businesses and help guide them toward solutions. This falls in line with the chamber’s commitment to measurable, sustainable outcomes,” said Brensrud.

The session provided attendees with:

• Clear calls to action;
• Information on the Business Block Watch Pilot Project, including a sign-up list for updates and participation in a new real-time WhatsApp communication group;
• A clearer understanding of the Chamber’s role in advocating for safe, healthy business conditions.
• Access to information on crime-prevention products and services offered by chamber members.

This initiative began in Industrial Park Zone 1, with the intention of replicating successful strategies in other business districts across the city.

“When you leave these meetings, our goal is for you to say: ‘This was worth my time. I understand how to get involved. And I’m interested to see what we can achieve together.’ The chamber is here for its members to support them in strategic ways. It’s key to emphasize that this was not a traditional town hall or an open forum for broad feedback. Instead, the meeting focused on actionable steps that can lead to tangible, replicable results,” Brensrud said.

The chamber extends sincere thanks to Jenn Krotz of Canadian Rockies Landscape for her leadership in spearheading the Business Block Watch Pilot Project.

The chamber also acknowledges Kristin Galanov, RCMP Community Engagement Coordinator, who shared valuable insights and updates at the meeting and will continue working with the chamber on initiatives affecting local businesses.

Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce

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