Cambridge adds more security downtown

Cambridge is beefing up security in the Galt core – in response to concerns from business owners and residents.

The city says four security officers have been contracted to add a presence in that area between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., seven days a week.

The patrol will include two security officers on foot, and another pair in cars.

They will work in tandem with the city’s bylaw officers who will continue to maintain a presence in downtown Cambridge seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays until midnight.

“This is one more step we are taking to ensure people feel safe in our beautiful Galt core area, especially after hours as we head into the fall and winter months,” Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry said in a release. “Overnight coverage was raised by the Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Association as a priority and I’m so pleased we could work together to make this happen.”

“We are very pleased with this new program. Fostering the investments made into our core area is our utmost priority, and as the Business Improvement Association, we continue to strongly advocate for their protection.” added Downtown Cambridge BIA Executive Director Brian Kennedy.

McGarry says the city views this program as an extension of an existing contract that will help determine the needs and goals of enhancing security in the downtown area of Galt. She says this initative will serve as a needs assessment to look at what's working, what isn't, what adjustments can be made and whether or not it's beneficial to business owners and the feeling of safety in downtown Galt at night.

“All of that will be data that can be collected that will help determine our way forward…” said McGarry. “At some point in the near future, I think that we'll see a staff report – it'll come to council for a longer determination of what the program may look like in the future… and whether it's beneficial enough to expand to the other downtown cores”.