Cambridge introducing mandatory bag checks for council meetings

The City of Cambridge is tightening security for council meetings.

Bag checks will be mandatory as of Tuesday, Sept. 23.

In a release, the city said the new security measure is in line with practices in other municipalities and is meant to enhance safety for councillors, staff and members of the public.

A security team will be tasked with “visually checking bags” at the city hall entrance when council meetings are being held.

Jennifer Shaw, acting director of the city clerk’s office in Cambridge, said staff want to make sure council meetings are welcoming for everyone.

“Public participation is vital to local government,” she said in a release. “This approach enhances security while keeping meetings open and accessible. Clear signage and notices will guide attendees through the new process.”

The rule covers all bags including purses, backpacks and briefcases.

“It’s sad that we have to do this,” said Ward 6 councillor, Adam Cooper, while on The Mike Farwell Show on Monday. “This is the new political landscape we’re in.”

Cooper said he’s received his fair share of harassment and calls it a disturbing time to be an elected official of any kind.

He pointed to the recent political assassination south of the border as an extreme example of the current climate.

“We’re heading down a path of violence and harassment being an acceptable part of the political landscape, and it’s not.”

Cooper said more open, sensible discourse is needed from both politicians and the public to douse the flames instead of fanning them.