In the wake of Wednesday’s deadly events in Ottawa, many institutional buildings across Canada are displaying heightened security precautions, and southwestern Ontario is no exception.
At Waterloo City Hall, a visible security guard patrolled the building’s front lobby on Thursday – making an unusual sight for regular visitors to the building.
“We’ve stepped up our security measures in this building – not to a significant amount, but just to be a little more vigilant,” said Tim Anderson, the city’s chief administrative officer.
The security guard is expected to remain in the building for the next month, Anderson said.
In Stratford, police stepped up patrols around the city’s federal building and its armouries, even though police said they had no reason to believe there was a threat to the city.
“We thought (it) would be prudent for people to see that … we were going to do our best to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” said Chief John Bates.
At Kitchener’s Grand River Hospital, officials say they have a good relationship with police and don’t anticipate any immediate changes to their security needs.
Public and Catholic schools in Waterloo Region are typically locked and controlled by a buzzer system.
Next Monday, that will change for the day, as some schools will be used as polling stations for the municipal election.
Spokespeople for each school board said main entrances into schools would remain locked, with only one designated door near the actual polling location opened.
In past years, Kitchener resident Carolyn Jamieson has voiced concerns about school security during election.
This time around, her polling station is at a community centre – but she’s still concerned for children in schools elsewhere in the city.
“Typically, you cannot gain access to a school without admission – except during voting period,” she said Thursday.
“Anyone can wander into the school. There needs to be some sort of … protection for the children.”
