GWCPC
Grandview-Woodland
Community Policing Centre
MISSION STATEMENT & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre (GWCPC) is a diverse and inclusive, non-profit, charitable, volunteer driven organization.
To work with the local community, Vancouver Police Department, and other service providers to strengthen the safety and quality of life in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood, in accordance with the core principles of community policing:
– Communication and collaboration, internally with the VPD and other CPCs, and externally through community outreach in partnership with other agencies and service providers in the neighbourhood.
– Advocacy, through presenting police services in a positive manner and actively working to support the community’s most vulnerable.
– Patrol Support, to promote proactive policing, encourage crime prevention and direct relevant referrals to other community services.
GWCPC respectfully acknowledges that we work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.
GWCPC HISTORY & CATCHMENT AREA
In response to neighbourhood concerns, the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre opened in office space donated by the Britannia Community Centre in 1994. Following relocation to Grandview Park, in 2005 the GWCPC moved to its current store front office at 1977 Commercial Drive between East 3rd and East 4th Avenues. The GWCPC’s working area includes the Commercial Drive neighbourhood and extends north to East Hastings, south to Grandview Hwy North and East Broadway, east to Nanaimo Street, and west to Clark Drive.
The GWCPC serves a dense community of over 30,000 residents with thousands of additional visitors each year. Attractions to the neighbourhood include a wide variety of parks and recreational opportunities, unique shops and cafes, restaurants and nightlife. Combined with the area’s eclectic charm and “Little Italy,” The Drive is a vibrant urban village known for its diverse community and embracive nature which appeals to people from varied ethnic, cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
INFORMATION SERVICES AND REFERRALS
The GWCPC Information Services Program is your go-to hub for all thing’s community! Whether it’s sharing important updates, offering resources, or providing safety tips, they keep everyone in the loop with the latest info in a fun, easy-to-digest way. It’s the perfect mix of helpful and approachable, making sure everyone stays informed and connected!
CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
The Grandview-Woodland-Community Policing Centre’s CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) program is dedicated to creating safer, more vibrant neighborhoods by working with residents to improve the neighbourhood aesthetic. By keeping our neighbourhood clean and free of graffiti the GWCPC helps reduce crime and fosters a sense of stewardship among the community.
Community Cleanup
With equipment supplied through the City of Vancouver’s Neighbourhood Cleanup Party campaign, teams of volunteers target areas recorded or reported for ongoing littering.
Clean-ups have a huge impact on our local neighbourhoods. Removing litter not only makes the neighbourhood cleaner, it also makes it safer. Research has shown that systematic removal of garbage can greatly reduce crime, vandalism and mischief.
Dress Appropriately for this activity
Cleanup events proceed Rain or shine. Snow will result in a cancellation
Graffiti Paintout
The GWCPC has gathered a supply of paint, rollers, brushes, trays and other materials offered by the City of Vancouver through the VPD along with other community gifts-in-kind to contribute to civic graffiti abatement initiatives
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GWCPC Graffiti Paint-Outs are scheduled for the last Saturday of each calendar month from 10:00 a.m. – noon. Weather permitting
Clearing Catch Basins
By removing leaves and debris from the catch basins you keep the water flowing. When Catch basins are blocked, water pools making it more difficult for pedestrians to safely navigate our streets.
When required, dress for getting wet.
Staying Involved with Community
Community
Outreach
The GWCPC Community Outreach Program is dedicated to strengthening the neighborhood by actively connecting with residents and offering support in creative, engaging ways. From organizing neighborhood events and workshops to providing helpful resources, the program fosters a sense of belonging and unity. Whether it’s hosting fun gatherings, handing out supplies, or simply listening to community concerns, this program ensures everyone has a voice and feels supported in building a vibrant, connected community.
Goals of the Community Outreach Program:
- √ Educate the public about crime prevention
- √ Provide information on reporting crime and quality of life concerns to the VPD, City and the GWCPC
- √ Provide events that encourage neighbours to know one another
- √ Build relationships with other community organizations
Community
Patrols
The GWCPC Patrols Program is a proactive, community-driven initiative that provides a friendly, visible presence throughout the neighborhood to ensure safety and foster connections. Patrols are out and about, keeping an eye on key areas, deterring crime, assisting residents, and offering a reassuring sense of security. Beyond just maintaining safety, the program focuses on building relationships with the community, creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported, and creating a positive, connected environment for all.
Foot & Bike patrollers also conduct vehicle safety audits to inform owners how to protect their vehicles from break-in or theft, and deliver Crime Alerts to communicate with residents in reported crime areas.
Pooch Patrol
Join GWCPC’s Pooch Patrol and help keep your community safe while walking your dog—be the eyes and ears of your neighborhood!
Foot Patrol
Walk along with GWCPC’s Foot Patrol to stay active, connect with your community, and promote neighborhood safety!
Bike Patrol
Cover more ground with GWCPC’s Bike Patrol. Ride to enhance community safety, and enjoy an active way to make a difference!
Get Involved
GWCPC volunteers are from a wide variety of backgrounds, skill sets, education, and ages but all have one thing in common – they are interested in making a difference in the Grandview-Woodland community.
The GWCPC takes pride in the diversity and talents of its volunteers who include but are not limited to applicants to law enforcement agencies, university & college students, retirees, recent high school graduates, and those who just want to volunteer at a grassroots level. GWCPC volunteers are self-directed and choose which programs or activities they want to participate in to fulfill their 4 hour per month commitment.
Road Safety
ROAD SAFETY
Road Safety
Sponsored by ICBC and supported by VPD, Speed Watch volunteers educate drivers to be more aware of speed limits on residential streets and areas with greater accident reports. Using radar equipment and an illuminated digital board, Speed Watch volunteers inform drivers of the speed at which they are traveling, in addition to conducting Cell Watch to determine how many drivers are observed to be distracted by their mobile devices.
Vancouver Police Officers can collaborate with GWCPC volunteers to issue speeding tickets to drivers who do not decrease their speed upon exiting a Speed Watch zone.
Speed Watch volunteers educate drivers to be more aware of speed limits on residential streets and areas with greater accident reports. Using radar equipment and an illuminated digital board.
The GWCPC offers car seat installation education with certified BCAA volunteers, providing hands-on guidance on proper car seat use for a $25 donation on a sliding scale; appointments last about an hour and require childcare arrangements.
Volunteers help raise awareness about distracted driving and participate in Cell Watch to observe and record the number of drivers using mobile devices while driving.
The GWCPC's Pedestrian Safety Program promotes safe practices through education, community engagement, and initiatives to reduce pedestrian-related accidents.
In partnership with the Vancouver Police Department, the GWCPC participates in Project 529, a free community-based bike registration and recovery program to help keep your bike safe.
The GWCPC offers Fatal Vision Goggle demonstrations, educating the community on the dangers of impaired driving through hands-on experience.
COMMUNITY
Diversity and Inclusion
The GWCPC Diversity and Inclusion Program is all about celebrating what makes each person unique while building a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels valued and respected. Through fun events, workshops, and open conversations, we create spaces where different voices are heard, and all cultures are celebrated. It’s a vibrant, positive program that brings people together, embraces diversity, and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone!
Volunteer Application
Requirements:
– Criminal Record Check
– 18+ years of age
– 4 hours per month minimum dedication to the GWCPC
Applicants who are confident they meet the requirements to volunteer should complete and email the application to volunteer, along with their resume, to volunteercoordinator@gwcpc.ca.
After submitting documents you will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Community Awareness
Getting involved with GWCPC enhances community awareness by promoting safety, fostering connections, and encouraging proactive engagement in local initiatives.
Being involved in your community helps create a safer, more connected, and supportive environment for everyone. Volunteering with GWCPC is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and take an active role in building a stronger neighborhood.