Edson town council has approved Phase One of a Business Security Rebate Program Pilot, intended to enhance safety in the downtown corridor.
The program will support local businesses with their investments into eligible security improvements, such as surveillance cameras, lighting enhancements, access control systems, alarms and physical deterrents.
Once improvements are made, businesses can apply for a 100 per cent rebate of the eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000 per legal titled parcel.
Additional requirements include:
- Cameras must be high-definition (minimum 1080p), monitor public-facing areas such as sidewalks and remain operational for a minimum of 3 years.
- Applicants must agree to provide footage to the RCMP upon request and are strongly encouraged to register their systems through the CAPTURE Program (Community Assisted Policing Through Use of Recorded Evidence).
- Pre- and post-installation inspections by town staff will ensure compliance.
This first phase will focus on 1 Avenue to 6 Avenue, between 48 Street and 52 Street. A total of $15,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants.
The 2025 Economic Development budget included an initial allocation of $10,000 for the program, but further feedback and evaluation by council and administration indicated an expanded budget would be beneficial. The additional $5,000 will be taken from the Council General Reserve and brings the minimum number of businesses that could be assisted to 15.
Phase One is expected to launch between Sept. 2, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
The decision was approved during council’s regular meeting on June 17.
