Security at police HQ doesn’t have to look like it, deputy chief says

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This article was published 10/09/2016 (3655 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Police are hoping they can work with other civic departments to reduce the cost of security bollards around the new headquarters.

Deputy chief Gord Perrier said Friday that the force had planned to spend $1.7 million next year on security bollards around the Graham Avenue building but he said some of that cost could be reduced if designs for the proposed enhanced bike route along Smith Street and street enhancements on the other streets bordering the building can be incorporated to meet security needs.

“It’s to look at (the issue) holistically, with all civic departments,” Perrier said. “They may have other considerations such as bike lanes or some other pedestrian design that we’re not aware of. It’s just bringing the parties together.”

The WPS approach isn’t new to civic projects. The departments of public works and water and waste routinely collaborate on projects occurring on the same street.

Perrier said the bollards — typically steel or concrete posts anchored into the ground — are needed to prevent a vehicle from crashing into the main level of the building and injuring staff inside. The city has placed temporary, concrete highway barriers along the Smith Street side of the building but they will be replaced next year.

It might be possible to achieve the same security with tree planters or other street and sidewalk design elements serving a dual purpose, he said.

The public works department has a plan for a separated bike lanes and street and sidewalk enhancements on Garry Street, from Assiniboine Avenue to the Exchange District, which would run along the east side of the police headquarters.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca