Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Zurakowski wants security for Kinsmen

Aug 9, 2011 | 12:12 PM

After receiving numerous complaints from residents around Kinsmen Park, Coun. Ted Zurakowski is calling for the city to hire a security company to help keep the park safe.

On Monday, Zurakowski said he and other councillors had been fielding calls from residents who felt that at times the city’s centrally-located park was unsafe.

“This summer I’ve received probably the most ever calls since I’ve been working in these chambers,” he said.

“We often refer that to the police department for more patrols and walkthroughs but, to be frank, the more I thought about it over the last several weeks, the more I think it’s time to be hiring security.”

He said that as one of the city’s best recreational assets, it ought to be protected just as many other city facilities are, such as City Hall and the Alfred Jenkins Field House.

“The Kinsmen Park is at the centre of our city—at the heart of our city and it is a civic facility,” he said.

“There are issues and I’d rather deal with them than not.”

Zurakowski called for a report to be created by the city’s administration that would look at the cost of having security in the summer during the later hours until the park officially closes at 11 p.m.

Council voted in favour of having the report created. Whether or not they’ll eventually go for security will be up to future debates at City Hall.

adesouza@panow.com