By Leah Murray

Street Art Works looks to improve safety of the pedestrian underpass

Jun 21, 2018 | 5:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT – The local Street Art Works Association is trying to make the pedestrian tunnel downtown a safer place to be.

The group will be getting some grant money that will allow them to install and maintain corner mirrors in the walk way, allowing pedestrians to see around the corners.

“Bicycles come through here and sometimes quite fast, so it’s nice to see who’s coming around the corner,” explained Dina Jubrak with Street Art Works. “I feel like generally knowing what waits for you down in the tunnel creates a safer feeling.”

Many people have said they don’t like using the underpass and that it makes them feel uneasy, but police say very little criminal activity occurs there.

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“Statistically we don’t get called there for violent incidents, we have been called there obviously for mischief, a few suspicious persons calls,” said Inspector Joe West. “However, there’s really not any sort of remarkable trends with the pedestrian underpass.”

Even though crime rates may not be high, the local art groups realize the space can feel uncomfortable and they want to make it more inviting.

“[We want] people to come here and check this space out as an art gallery,” said Dina Jubrak with Street Art Works. “It creates positive foot traffic [with] families, people who are interested in art, and then loiterers, criminals and vandals just wont have the time or ability to be here.”

The city is on board with the idea. While other security measures like cameras have been considered there would be no one to monitor them and the cost of repairing possible damage to them would be high.

Municipal engineer Randi Buchner said the mirrors should make a difference to the safety and security people feel using the walk way.

“I think it will be a good improvement when it comes to increasing safety and really focusing on bringing more pedestrians down to the underpass,” Buchner said.

There’s no word on when the mirrors will be installed.