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Report urges Sudbury to extend pilot project that added security guards downtown

Every three years, cities are mandated by the federal and provincial governments to count their homeless population. This week in Sudbury, a count was done and vulnerable people were asked to voluntarily fill out surveys. (Alana Everson/CTV News) Every three years, cities are mandated by the federal and provincial governments to count their homeless population. This week in Sudbury, a count was done and vulnerable people were asked to voluntarily fill out surveys. (Alana Everson/CTV News)
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Sudbury -

A report headed to city council Tuesday urges councillors to extend a pilot project that added security officers downtown.

Begun in December 2020, after a COVID-19-relate delay, two security guards were added downtown on two shifts, working from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. seven days a week. The pilot is set to expire in November, and the staff report recommends extending it until Dec. 31 to allow a further review during budget time on whether it should become permanent.

It would cost $204,000 to extend it, offset by $47,000 from the province from the Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation Fund.

One of the advantages of the program, the report said, is the fact the guards are trained specifically on the challenges they will face downtown and have reduced the number of calls to police.

"Program staff are equipped with higher-level training and enforcement tools, offering additional options to manage security concerns on city property, thus reducing unnecessary calls for service to police," the report said.

"Finally, as part of a shared commitment for community safety, this program allows for more effective collaboration with Greater Sudbury Police Service in response to community concerns."

The added security has been used for several purposes, including at vaccination clinics, on city buses and escorting paramedics on home visits to conduct COVID-19 tests. However, the report said the biggest impact has been downtown.

"Since the launch of the program, officers have completed in excess of 2,200 focused patrols of the downtown," the report said. "And close to 1,400 patrols at the transit terminal or on board buses."

The officers have been trained to direct vulnerable people to social services, and have helped bus drivers in the city enforce mask mandates. The officers have been effective in enforcing rules considered less of a priority for police.

"More recently, security enforcement officers have taken on more regularly scheduled shifts boarding the buses," the report said.

"Through August and September officers participated in 35 rides ... On numerous occasions, in receipt of concerns from the transit supervisor, officers have been able to intercept a bus during its route or upon conclusion at a hub and have addressed concerns that would otherwise go unaddressed."

The security staff has also been used to accompany bylaw officers who make enforcement visits to residents regarding issues about bylaws.

"Where the City of Greater Sudbury has information that a resident or address may pose issue while attending a residence as part of normal service delivery, security enforcement officers have further attended to escort staff and keep the peace," the report said.

The officers have also been used in taking down homeless encampments.

"In 2021, the security officers took the lead role removing several encampments from the following locations: Center for Life, Memorial Park, Tom Davies Square Courtyard, Bridge of Nations, Nolin St. and Rotary Park," the report said.

"Furthermore, efforts are made on a daily basis to engage with the homeless population and connect them with social services. This additional service level responds to community safety and wellbeing."

Read the full report here.

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