Even after “the End of the World” is transformed into an official viewpoint, the site will continue to attract illicit activity, says the chair of a community group designed to tackle crime in the area.
A popular hangout for partiers, the site atop the riverbank on Saskatchewan Drive, tucked in the woods of the Belgravia neighbourhood, provides a unique panoramic view of the river valley.
Despite its beauty, it’s a dangerous place, with three-metre drop-offs and heavy erosion along the riverbanks.
The city has restricted access to the area until upgrades are made and the site is secured with a new boardwalk, stairs and safety fence.
But the prohibition hasn’t discouraged late-night revellers, and resident Roger Laing said the problems will likely persist even after the facelift.
“The committee, like many of our neighbours, is still not totally convinced that gentrifying it, if you will, will truly deal with the after-hours partying,” said Laing, chair of the Belgravia Community League’s End of the World Committee.
“There are still concerns that while these are nice-looking plans, they may not address the social disorder that happens.”
Since the site was made officially off limits last year, a fence has been installed, and bylaw officers have been patrolling the area intermittently, handing out $150 trespassing fines.
“There is a strong commitment by city leadership to address the issues as best they can,” Laing said. “They have committed to extra park wardens to the site, but of course they can’t be there 24-7.
“We’re still concerned that there is no fail-safe strategy that will ensure the community is less impacted by adverse behaviour.”
‘A magnet for violent behaviour’
Resident Michael Brechtel said foot traffic to the site has been constant, and police are frequently called in to break up rowdy parties.
“The End of the World site is becoming a bit of a magnet for violent behaviour,” Brechtel said.
“It’s going from being a nice place, where people go to watch the sunset, to a place where there is a certain violent element.
“I certainly feel less safe, and I know that I’m not alone.”
Brechtel would like to see more regular police enforcement in the area, but unlike Laing he thinks the pending upgrades will keep “undesirable partiers” away.
“Opening it up, making it visible and making it a public space … the solution isn’t removing it but making it into a destination that everyone can share.”
After a series of public consultations last year, the community league expects city administration will unveil an updated set of designs this fall. Pending approval from the city council, construction is expected to begin in 2017.