'People want to feel safe': Charlottetown council approves park security

The City of Charlottetown is preparing for busy parks this summer, and is making plans for patrolling themand keeping them safe.

The city will have similar private security as in previous years, but hopes for an increased police presence at Victoria Park.

'Status quo contract'

At its monthly meeting Monday evening, council passed a resolution to accept a $40,022.30 bid from private security firm Atlantic Private Protection Services to patrol city parks for the 2017 summer season.

The agreement is pretty much "a status quo contract, if you will, from previous years," said Coun. Mitch Tweel, chair of the city's parks and recreation committee.

The security firm will patrol about 85 parks, as well as playgrounds and sports fields for eight hours a day, seven days a week over the course of 15 weeks.

It will also provide foot patrol of Victoria Park for 16 hours a day, from Thursday through Sunday for 19 weeks.

Concerns about park security

During Monday's council meeting, a number of councillors brought up concerns about security issues and illegal activity at parks in their wards.

Tweel said security at all city parks is important, but said his "major concern" is Victoria Park, in part because of its size, and many different components.

• Police step up patrols in Victoria Park after complaints of public sex

"The other parks, I believe we're able to handle it," said Tweel.

Tweel cited drinking, drugs, vandalism and graffiti as some of the issues he is concerned about.

"People want to feel safe," said Tweel.

'More presence' from police

From Monday to Wednesday, when the security firm is not patrolling Victoria Park, Tweel said security would be dealt with by city police.

He said the city is still working on a security plan with the Charlottetown Police Service, but he hopes police monitoring will be increased over previous years.

"If we need additional forces or more security, then I'm certainly willing to bring that forward," saidTweel.

Tweel said park security is a priority for the city, and if the city hears many complaints from the public this year, he would want to look into how to further deal with safety concerns.

• MORE P.E.I.NEWS |Islander new hitting coach for Spanish national softball team
• MORE P.E.I.NEWS |Mi'kmaq elder to resign from Order of P.E.I. citing lack of support from province