Report recommends increased security measures at city libraries after slaying – Winnipeg Free Press

A controversial metal detector appears set to stay at the Millennium Library, at least for now, as the city ponders hiring more security staff to monitor the downtown facility in the wake of a homicide on the main floor.

A long-awaited city staff report proposes $1 million of new safety spending this year, which would fund: up to eight more community safety hosts (bringing the total to 10), with five posted at Millennium and five rotating between the city’s 19 other library branches; up to five more security guards at the downtown library (adding to its existing five); and increased employee safety training.

If council approves, the city would also create 4.2 temporary full-time staff positions and devote an additional two community safety hosts to reopen Millennium Library’s Community Connections space during all library operating hours for the rest of 2023. That space is designed to connect vulnerable patrons with shelter/housing, social assistance, mental health, addiction services and other supports, but has been closed since the homicide.

Library security report

Community safety hosts are trained in trauma-related crisis work and can help connect vulnerable folks with resources.

City staff also recommend that council consider, during its next budget process, devoting about $2.4 million per year, starting in 2024, to keep the added security guards, community safety hosts and community connections space in place.

Between Jan. 23 and June 30, interim safety measures employed at Millennium cost the city $540,000, the report reveals.

The city’s manager of library services said the spending is necessary.

“It’s the price of safety and security,” said Karin Borland.

Borland noted the effort isn’t solely devoted to Millennium Library, as community safety hosts and community crisis workers would provide services beyond that facility.

The proposal follows a long-awaited library security audit. GardaWorld Corp. was hired to review safety at Millennium Library after 28-year-old Tyree Cayer was stabbed to death on the main floor on Dec. 11, 2022. Four teenage boys have been charged in connection with Cayer’s death.

A redacted version of the security audit released Friday notes assaults, threats, vandalism, drug use and harassment were “common occurrences” at Millennium in 2022.

“The current threat level towards people resulting in injury, harm, and death is assessed as high,” the report states.

Following the homicide, the library did not fully reopen to patrons until Jan. 23. A metal detector, two police officers and added security guards have been offered as interim security measures at the site since then.

The city proposal says the metal detector and screening process should stay up at the downtown branch for now, prior to a plan to redesign the facility’s lobby. The city will soon seek a consultant to conduct a feasibility study.

“We’re very hopeful, through design and architectural features and solutions, that we can look at removing the metal detector through that process,” said Borland. “Really, everything for the lobby design is on the table, so it could be simple things like guiding the foot traffic flow… all the way to… technology that supports a passive weapons screening.”

“We’re very hopeful, through design and architectural features and solutions, that we can look at removing the metal detector through that process.”–Karin Borland

In a “passive” check, patrons could walk through without a bag search or interacting with security staff, she said.

There’s no set timeline for the redesign to be completed.

The leader of the union that represents library staff said his members do want the metal detectors to stick around. However, he’s still reviewing many of the elements of the report, alleging consultations with the union fell short.

“They should have consulted with us maybe a bit more on the report because it does involve our members’ safety,” said Gord Delbridge, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500.

Delbridge said the union continues to lobby the city to devote some of its own staff positions to security roles, instead of contracting out.

The group Millennium For All and other advocates have opposed the airport-style screening process, arguing it creates a barrier that prevents some people from visiting the library.

In a written statement on Friday, Millennium for All spokeswoman Joe Curnow did not mention the screening but said the group is pleased to see a proposal to employ more community safety hosts and reopen the community connections space.

“There is a lot of evidence that community safety hosts provide actual resources for people and are successful at de-escalating situations. We are especially glad to see this roll out to other branches,” wrote Curnow.

The city safety proposal also suggests that Winnipeg police (who control their own operations) be asked to replace two uniformed officers posted at Millennium Library with daily WPS foot patrols in and around the building.

It’s not yet clear how much of the new safety plan will be approved by city council.

Mayor Scott Gillingham called the proposal “a good starting point.”

“At this point, I think I’m looking forward to having the discussion as to what investments should be prioritized. For example, I can envision hiring some more community safety hosts … (But) I think the province needs to be engaged if we’re going to have the community connections space opened and social workers in place there … so much of that work is helping people access provincial services,” said Gillingham.

The mayor said it’s too soon to tell if metal detectors will become a permanent fixture at Millennium Library.

“I’m comfortable with the metal detectors staying at this point because I believe that will give our staff and members of the public a measure of comfort,” said Gillingham.

Coun. John Orlikow, chairman of council’s community services committee, expects to support the plan, which he believes offers a good balance of measures to make Millennium both secure and welcoming.

“We need to provide a warm welcoming space and that’s why I like those community hosts coming in. We also need to provide that safety,” said Orlikow.

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Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Joyanne loves to tell the stories of this city, especially when politics is involved. Joyanne became the city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press in early 2020.

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