A diverse coalition of government representatives, service providers, business leaders, and community members have released a landmark report outlining a collective set of recommendations to address community safety and the root causes of mental health, addictions and homelessness issues in Fredericton. The Community Safety Task Force, established in late 2024, was the first of its kind to bring together voices and perspectives from all orders of government to business leaders, residents, service providers and those with lived experience.
The Task Force developed bold recommendations for both immediate action and long-term systemic change to address the city’s most pressing social challenges.
The report emphasizes the need to widen the focus from reactive measures - such as policing and emergency response - to include coordinated, proactive strategies and solutions that address underlying issues like inadequate housing, poverty, and gaps in mental health and addiction services.
The Task Force’s 47 recommendations are organized under five central themes:
- Leadership, Governance & Coordination: Establishing an oversight committee and fostering interagency collaboration to ensure accountability and progress.
- Community Safety & Crime Prevention: Investing in public safety infrastructure and supporting community-based initiatives.
- Policing & Justice System Reform: Advancing responsive and specialized policing and advocating for targeted improvements to the justice system.
- Mental Health, Addictions & Crisis Response: Expanding access to care, supporting the mental health workforce, and enhancing stabilization services.
- Housing Solutions & Homelessness Prevention: Implementing immediate and transitional housing options and developing a comprehensive housing strategy.
The report underscores that meaningful progress depends on the active participation and accountability of all partners, orders of government including Indigenous leadership, business, service providers, and residents. It also highlights the importance of including Indigenous voices and prioritizing early intervention for youth.
Partners are being asked to create clear action plans which will be regularly reported on through an oversight committee. The oversight committee will provide regular public updates to ensure accountability and transparency to the citizens of Fredericton.
To access the full report and detailed recommendations, please visit: Community Safety Task Force Report
Mayor Kate Rogers, City of Fredericton
“Community safety is a shared priority,” said Mayor Kate Rogers. “This report reflects our collective understanding of the complex issues we’re facing — and outlines a path toward a safer, more supportive city for everyone.”
Chief Gary Forward, Fredericton Police Force
“True community safety is built on strong partnerships and a shared vision for the future. The recommendations in this report reflect a commitment to collaboration to address the city’s most pressing social challenges. By moving beyond traditional, reactive approaches and embracing innovative, proactive solutions, we are laying the foundation for a safer, healthier, and more inclusive Fredericton. I am proud to stand alongside our partners as we chart a new course forward—one that prioritizes prevention, compassion, and accountability for all.”
Hon. Cindy Miles, Minister Social Development
“As a member of this task force, I’ve seen firsthand the deep care, commitment, and collaboration that guided this work,” said Cindy Miles, Minister of Social Development. “We know that every community has unique needs, and that addressing the complex realities of mental health, addictions, and homelessness requires strong collaboration - across all levels of government, across departments and with our community partners. It also requires a willingness to listen, and to learn. Our government thanks all members of the task force for this important work. These recommendations are an important step forward – together.”
Morgan Peters, CEO Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
“The work of the Community Safety Task Force and the recommendations presented in the final report are meaningful steps forward in addressing the complex public safety challenges facing our city. Moving forward, we must ensure strong partnerships, alignment of efforts, and a clear understanding of the roles we each play and remain focused on accountability and continuing to work together to turn these recommendations into lasting change.
Businesses have been feeling the impacts of these issues, and improving public safety is essential to safeguarding confidence, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring a vibrant, inclusive economy. Fredericton is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. To remain an attractive destination for people, businesses, and investment, we must act decisively, and with innovation in mind, to address the root causes of public safety concerns.”