The Criminogenic Effect of the Canada Line on Neighbourhood Levels of Crime in Vancouver, BC

• In Event: Transport, Land Use and Crime

Abstract

A review of mass forms of public transportation systems and crime demonstrate that a combination of different physical and social variables may impact crime at a transit station. Variables such as physical design, policing style, and land use can influence both the level and type of crime committed within such settings. However, less attention is given to socio-demographic variables such as population size, education, and income levels that help shape the environmental backcloth of a neighbourhood that contains a public transit station. The following research seeks to investigate the potential impact a rapid transit station can have on neighbourhood crime using a social disorganization framework. A panel analysis of census tracts in Vancouver, BC provides insight into the impact that the Canada Line SkyTrain may have on census tracts that host a station. The results of this study demonstrate the impact of a Canada Line station in a census tract can vary based on the location of a station and the type of offence committed.

Authors

• Jordana Gallison, Simon Fraser University

• Martin Andresen, Simon Fraser University