A test run last year to deter people from loitering in the downtown will likely be back next month. (file photo/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Prince Albert downtown

Downtown security effort well-received

Mar 17, 2023 | 11:06 AM

A three-month pilot project that saw paid security guards walk the downtown area was well-received by the business community and may come back in mid-April.

Rhonda Trusty, executive director of the business improvement district for the downtown, said the board must meet one more time before they decide— but many are in favour.

“I think it was successful and the board and the business community felt it was something they wanted to continue,” said Trusty,

Frustrated business owners were concerned with the increase in the homeless population in Prince Albert’s core last year, and hired Prince Albert Security Services to patrol the area.

Security officers were given direction to ask those sitting and laying in doorways to move, but do it in a proactive and educational way to avoid confrontation.

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Officers also were to help people connect with social services if they needed it.

The idea was to make shoppers more comfortable accessing businesses, so officers were out and about mainly during business hours.

Trusty said businesses responded favourably in enough strength that PABID wants to try it again.

“We’ll try it again for another three months, and maybe extend it for another three,” she said.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com