The Framework

Responsible Hospitality Edmonton's (RHE) framework is built on recommendations developed by the Old Strathcona Task Force and the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) process conducted in 2006 – Summary Report. These recommendations were approved and funded by City Council in December 2006.

The framework is grouped into five areas of focus:

1. Create a formalized network (Panel) from safety, industry, planning and community to better "plan, manage and police hospitality zones" in the City of Edmonton.

What We’ve Done: RHE recruited members to sit on a Panel that would address late-night economy issues from a city-wide perspective. March 2007 saw the first of several meetings where Panel members attempted to define its role The Panel was unable to successfully clarify its purpose and its operations were suspended in December 2007.

RHE is currently working toward a new, sustainable Panel model that focuses on individual hospitality areas, with an opportunity to integrate/collaborate on common issues.

2. Recognize hospitality, dining and entertainment as an integrated economic engine through the development of an industry-driven city-wide association.

What We’ve Done: In January 2009, RHE conducted industry forums to evaluate the level of support from industry members for the development of a late-night hospitality association and how it would be funded.

RHE is working toward the development of an industry-driven city-wide association that meets their needs in term of best practices, self-regulation, training and advocacy. Recommendations regarding a proposed association are expected to be presented to City Council in May 2010.

3. Formalize a “code team” to support a coordinated approach to licensing, education and enforcement of licensed premises.

What We’ve Done: In October 2006, the Public Safety Compliance Team (PSCT) was formed.

Going into its fourth year of operation, the PSCT continues to move forward with an emphasis on prevention through education of licensed premises to improve and sustain management practices that enhance their footprint in the community.

4. Manage Friday and Saturday nights in hospitality zones (with similar resources and authority as an event manager for festivals), coordinating services, staffing and mobilization of what is needed.

What We’ve Done: In April 2007, a Facility Manager to plan and manage the public spaces for the other 9 to 5 in the Whyte Avenue hospitality zone was hired. See Street as a Venue to see what they’ve been up to.

RHE is looking toward hiring a Facility Manager to serve the same function for the Jasper Avenue West hospitality zone for 2010.

5. Support patron responsibility through a mixture of initiatives including social marketing, student orientations, availability of public facilities, security cameras, visible enforcement of bylaws (e.g. public urination), late-night transportation, etc.

What We’ve Done: RHE has moved forward with several initiatives including:

Whyte Avenue
“P” Free portable urinal program that runs from May to October
Be a Lover not a Fighter patron responsibility campaign aimed at reducing violence in and around licensed premises
Turn it Down patron responsibility campaign developed in consultation with U of A residences aimed at noise reduction

Jasper Avenue
CCTV Camera Pilot Program

City-wide
Save the Party patron responsibility campaign aimed at reinforcing positive social behaviour in late-night hospitality zones

Other things we’re working on: While late-night bus proposals developed for Whyte Avenue- University, Jasper Ave for Indy event and a Jasper and Whyte short circle routes did/have not receive the required support, RHE continues to explore avenues to improve late-night transportation.