Shoeleather security foot patrols approved for downtown

Old-fashioned boots-on-the-ground security patrols are returning to downtown Sault Ste. Marie.

City council agreed this week to seek proposals from private security companies for foot patrols based out of an office at the downtown plaza.

When private security services have been previously used downtown, they've included vehicular patrols.

"The feedback that was received was that when they were more visible and prevalent in the area, it worked much better. So they will have an established route," Brent Lamming, the city's director of community services, told a city council meeting on Monday.

The patrollers will initially walk Queen Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, although those hours will be subject to change.

"The goal of the foot patrol program is to provide an additional level of safety and security in the downtown area and help to prevent unwanted vandalism and crime," Lamming said in a written report to Mayor Shoemaker and ward councillors.

The private security officers are expected to work in conjunction with the Canadian Mental Health Association's Downtown Ambassador program.

"If there are needs other than security, then they can refer to the services of the Neighbourhood Resource Center, police services, Canadian Mental Health Association and different associations that are available."

The cost and duration of the pilot program was not discussed at Monday's meeting.

"The city was contacted by the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) earlier this year notifying the city that they would be able to contribute one-time funding to assist with the Downtown Ambassador Program," Lamming said.

"These funds are already budgeted in the city budget and staff are recommending that the city pilot a downtown security foot patrol utilizing the funds that are now available."

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is expected to continue its dynamic patrols downtown but officers must volunteer for that duty so the patrols will be sporadic.

Police have been negotiating to purchase the old Algoma Central Railway station in the Station Mall parking lot but the deal to establish a downtown precinct there hasn't closed and it will take some time to recruit sufficient staff for the new location.