Alberta to provide crime prevention grants as Calgary sees increase in shootings

The Alberta government says it will provide a total of $5.2 million to support programs that prevent crime and keep people safe.

Justice Minister Tyler Shandro says grants will be doled out to eligible groups over the next two years.

He says the money can be used for the delivery of community safety plans, youth gang prevention and exit programs, as well as plans that address emerging issues and trends.

Shandro made the announcement in Calgary, where police have already responded to 97 shootings in 2022.

Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld says the number of shootings so far this year is unprecedented for the city.

He says the funding won't necessarily help with police response to the shootings, but it could help to create community safety plans and pay for programs to prevent others.