An overnight security patrol is set to start by the end of the month, says Timmins CAO Dave Landers.
Having a private firm keep an eye on the city overnight is in hopes of reducing vandalism and crime without further straining police resources.
Pads K9 Protection and Detection, a Timmins-based company, was awarded the $100,336 contract, in June. The cost is being covered by the city's portion of the municipal accommodation tax (MAT), a four per cent tax imposed on overnight stays at hotels and other short-term accommodations.
SEE: New security program adding extra eyes on the streets overnight
The program has not started yet, but Landers met with the firm earlier this week, he told Timmins council at its July 11 meeting.
“The plan is to have that in motion over the next couple of weeks, but at the latest by month-end. There are a few things we’ve got to work out, we’re going to need to see evidence of that they meet all of the different security requirements, but some of that is typical when you’re bringing on staff in that role,” said Landers.
The one-person security patrol is expected to run daily from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The purpose is to keep an eye out and identify issues to the police. Putting the local program in place started with the Downtown BIA, but it has expanded to include other areas of the city.
When council approved the security pilot project earlier this year a program offering additional outreach downtown was also part of it.
The city has budgeted $125,000, which will also be funded through the MAT cash, for trained outreach workers to help vulnerable people. That RFP was issued on July 11.
