Metal detector, security upgrades coming to city hall

Security will be ramped up at the entrance to Winnipeg’s city council building, leading visitors to walk through a metal detector and check in with guards to gain access.

The changes follow calls for greater protection after a series of safety threats emerged at the Main Street building in recent years.

The city is seeking a contractor to build new security walls in its largely open current lobby. Tall glass partitions will guide visitors to check in at a security desk before reaching the main stairwell that leads to the building’s second floor and basement.

Visitors were previously asked to check in at the security desk but no physical measures were in place to support the rule.

Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West) said she would “absolutely” feel safer with a metal detector in place. Lukes keeps a hammer, a baseball bat and a cricket bat in her office to ensure she can break a window to escape, if needed.

The city previously faced some criticism for installing metal detectors at the Millennium Library over concerns the devices would create a barrier that keeps some people from visiting the facility.

However, Lukes stressed city hall will remain open to all.

“We’re pretty accessible … (And with enhanced security) everyone is safer … It’s not just for the elected people, it’s for the safety of everyone,” she said.

The councillor noted metal detectors are now common at government buildings and beyond.

“We’re pretty accessible … (And with enhanced security) everyone is safer … It’s not just for the elected people, it’s for the safety of everyone.”

“We go to (Bombers) football games, the stadium and, we go through detectors and we go through them at the hockey arena. It’s very sad that our world has got to be like this but it is,” said Lukes.

She described the heightened security as a response to emerging threats and disturbances at city hall, including smashed windows and people spreading drugs, paraphernalia, clothes and garbage throughout the courtyard.

“Many days we walk into city hall and there’s broken glass at the front doors,” said Lukes.

People experiencing psychosis often cause disruptions in the courtyard, sometimes swinging their arms and belongings around while screaming, she said.

The Free Press has also reported on several incidents in recent years.

In January 2024, Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) called for a security review of the civic complex, citing a smashed window, stalking and threats over the previous 18 months.

A month later, the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500 filed a staff safety grievance about city hall. The complaint notes some of its members reported experiencing verbal abuse, racist remarks, threats and harassment at the property. CUPE represents some clerical staff, building cleaners and maintenance staff who work at city hall, as well as others who can be called to work there on occasion.

On Sept. 8, a security guard was assaulted with bear spray in the city hall courtyard.

Heightened anger towards politicians is another reason more stringent security is warranted, said Lukes.

“(The council building) is a very, very, very open, spacious place. And we’re making decisions that impact people’s lives … Very huge decisions that not everyone likes,” she said.

“My preference would be to have a city hall that’s as open and as welcoming as humanly possible but the reality of the world that we’re in today is that enhanced security measures are the norm.”

The need to ramp up security is sad and unfortunate but can’t be ignored, said Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan).

“My preference would be to have a city hall that’s as open and as welcoming as humanly possible but the reality of the world that we’re in today is that enhanced security measures are the norm,” said Browaty.

The new design may slow down public access to the building but residents will still be able to speak at, and watch public meetings, in person, he said.

“It does take an extra minute or so. It’s unfortunate … but I don’t think it’s going to deter too many people,” he said.

The new contractor will be required to demolish and remove existing desks and gates in the council building lobby, install glass partitions and doors, and add lockers. The ceiling will be altered to allow the new walls, the tender notes.

Crews may be scheduled to work on evenings and weekends to avoid disrupting city hall meetings and events.

Gord Delbridge, president of CUPE Local 500, said the project indicates the city is taking the union’s safety grievance seriously.

“Just to hear that they are moving in that direction shows they’ve listened to our concerns,” said Delbridge.

CUPE asked the city to enhance security at the council building entrance but did not specify exact changes, he said.

“We know that security in the downtown core is a concern for many places of business and for many people at work,” said Delbridge.

The city plans to award the contract by Dec. 31 and has budgeted about $260,000 for the work.

A request to speak with a city security official involved with the changes was not granted Monday.

In an email, a city spokeswoman said the changes will bring security at the council building more in line with those of other governments and improve safety for all users.

The work should be done in early 2026, wrote spokeswoman Julie Dooley.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

X: @joyanne_pursaga