Ottawa City Hall rolling out ‘hostile’ new security measures

Seen through the City of Ottawa logo, new security equipment was being installed at the main entrance of Ottawa City Hall on May 21. The city will soon X-ray bags and put people through metal detectors before they’re allowed into city hall. Photo by JULIE OLIVER /PostmediaArticle content

A local advocacy group says the new enhanced security measures coming to Ottawa City Hall at the end of the month will stifle residents’ abilities to make their voices heard.

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According to a memo sent out on May 16, the city will require visitors to only enter City Hall using the Laurier Avenue West and Lisgar Street entrances. Visitors will be required to have their bags screened and to go through metal detectors before entering the building.

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The changes are scheduled to start on Monday, May 26.

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“Over the years, security risks and incidents have evolved, resulting in various levels of government updating their security procedures for entry into their administrative and legislative centres,” the memo read.

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“As a result, the City will be adopting security screening measures, which is a best practice model that it is currently in place in other public-facing government buildings in the national capital region, as well as at City Hall buildings in Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal.”

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New security equipment was being installed at the main entrance of Ottawa City Hall on May 21. The city will soon X-ray bags and put people through metal detectors before they’re allowed into city hall. Photo by JULIE OLIVER /PostmediaArticle content

In a statement, the city pointed broadly to recent incidents and specifically noted a shooting at Edmonton City Hall last year. The city did not say whether there had been complaints about safety from visitors to city hall.

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“These findings have informed new security measures that are consistent with those in place at other public-facing government buildings in the nation’s capital,” Ryan Perrault, general manager of emergency and protective services, said in an emailed response.

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“We thank residents for their understanding as we implement these changes. Our goal is to ensure the screening process is efficient, respectful, and courteous. Accommodations will be made available upon request for individuals with disabilities or other individualized needs. It’s important to note that public access remains unchanged and visitors are still welcome during regular hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.”

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It also comes in the wake of the proposed controversial bubble bylaw, which would prohibit certain demonstrations within an 80-metre distance of vulnerable social infrastructure if passed. This would include schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities and places of worship. Staff are expected to come back with a draft bylaw in the next nine months.

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Bollards now stretch across the entrance to Ottawa City Hall as a security measure. Photo by JULIE OLIVER /PostmediaArticle content

Tom Ledgley, a co-ordinator with the advocacy group Horizon Ottawa, called the new security measures extremely problematic and hostile because they are barriers for residents who want to make their voices heard in council chambers or with their councillors.