October was another busy and rewarding month for the Gastown-Hastings Crossing Community Policing Centre (GHXCPC). From regular outreach and safety education to community partnerships, volunteer engagement, a team building outing, and a neighbourhood Halloween celebration, our team of staff and volunteers continued working to strengthen relationships, promote safety, and create meaningful opportunities for connection throughout Gastown Hastings Crossing.
Community Outreach and Engagement
Throughout October, we continued hosting Community Outreach pop-ups at Pigeon Park (3) at Victory Square (1). These activations provide valuable opportunities to connect directly with residents, share information about our programs and services, and build relationships with community members in familiar neighbourhood spaces.
Additionally, our team of volunteers collectively donated 73 hours of their time this month for foot patrols (our 3rd highest monthly total this year!) During these patrols, volunteers conducted 116 wellness checks, 25 business check ins, and removed 214 sharps from our neighbourhood streets.
By maintaining a consistent presence in the community, we continue to make our services more accessible while encouraging conversations about neighbourhood safety, wellbeing, and available resources.
Caring for Our Shared Spaces
Our twice-monthly Community Cleanup program continued throughout October, with two cleanups bringing volunteers together to help maintain cleaner, safer, and more welcoming public spaces.
These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to neighbourhood pride and community wellbeing. Beyond removing litter and addressing environmental concerns, our cleanups create opportunities for residents and volunteers to work together toward a shared goal.
Community Safety Education and Volunteer Development
Education and preparedness remain important pillars of our work.
In October, we hosted our monthly Naloxone Training Workshop, providing participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to recognize and respond to opioid overdose emergencies. These sessions continue to support harm reduction and help empower community members to act when it matters most.
We also welcomed new volunteers through our monthly Volunteer Orientation session. These orientations introduce participants to the GHXCPC, our programs, and the important role volunteers play in supporting community safety and engagement. We look forward to seeing our new volunteers become active members of the team!
Connecting with Seniors Through Gastown’s History
October provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with local seniors through a special neighbourhood walking tour.
In partnership with Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours, we hosted a seniors walk through Gastown exploring the fascinating theme of “Prohibition in Gastown.” Participants enjoyed an engaging opportunity to learn about the neighbourhood’s colourful history while spending time together, staying active, and strengthening community connections.
Supporting Community Safety Through Collaboration
Collaboration continues to be essential to our approach to community safety.
This month, we welcomed staff and students from SFU for a Student Community Safety & Resources visit. The visit provided an opportunity to introduce students to our work, share information about community safety initiatives, and highlight the resources and programs available throughout Gastown and Hastings Crossing.
We also collaborated with ICBC and the Downtown Community Policing Centre (DTCPC) to participate in a Speed Watch initiative. These collaborative efforts help raise awareness about speeding and encourage safer driving behaviours, contributing to safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, residents, and visitors.
Bringing the Neighbourhood Together: Community Halloween Safety Party
One of the highlights of October was our Community Halloween Safety Party, organized with the support and participation of Nesters Market, Lee’s Donuts, Body Energy Club, and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). Additionally, the Grandview-Woodland CPC mascot (Spot the Saftety Dog) made a guest appearance to kick off the party (you can see Spot in the photos)!
The event brought together more than 30 children and over 100 adults for an afternoon of Halloween fun, community connection, and safety awareness.
Participants enjoyed a wide variety of activities and refreshments, including games, trivia and prizes, cotton candy, popcorn, hot chocolate, coffee, smoothies, donuts, and Halloween candy. The event also featured a photo booth, crafts table, our Community Policing Centre information table, and small gift bags for participants.
The celebration created a welcoming space for families and neighbours to come together, enjoy the Halloween season, and connect with local organizations and community safety resources.
We are incredibly grateful to Nesters Market, Lee’s Donuts, Body Energy Club, Grandview-Woodland CPC, and the VPD for their generous support and participation. Their contributions helped make this event a memorable and enjoyable experience for the neighbourhood.
Team Building
The staff of the GHxCPC took a couple hours out of a day to visit Academie Duello for a fun team building activity. The team experienced axe throwing and archery and fun (along with a little friendly competition) was had by all!
Looking Ahead
October highlighted the importance of community presence, collaboration, and connection in building a safer and more inclusive neighbourhood. Whether through outreach pop-ups, educational workshops, volunteer development, community cleanups, or family-friendly celebrations, each initiative contributed to strengthening relationships throughout our Gastown and Hastings Crossing communities.
As always, we extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated volunteers, community partners, local businesses, and residents for their continued support.
We look forward to continuing this work and building on the momentum throughout November!