Marianne Meed Ward
Since the downtown parking garage on Locust Street was built, there have been ongoing challenges with late-night activity, including vandalism, walking along the seventh floor ledge, throwing items over the side (including, in one case, a dog from the third floor), throwing eggs and debris at the adjoining apartment building, parties on the top floor, skateboarding and racing down the ramps, and other concerns.
The city has installed signs and security cameras, police have increased visits, and yet the behaviour persists.
As a result, the city has now hired Neptune Security Services Inc. to patrol the garage every evening from 8pm – 2am (including holidays) to deal with all types of behaviour. The security officer will patrol the 7-levels, stairwells & outside parameter and if necessary, call Halton Regional Police for assistance.
In addition to the above, Parking Officers will continue to regularly patrol the garage outside the above times.
My Take:
This is a step in the right direction to deal with the many complaints and evidence we have received from area residents. I want to thank them for their input and patience as we have looked for solutions and tried many approaches to deal with the problem. The primary concern is public safety; the presence of an on-site security guard will assist in ensuring the garage remains safe and secure for all users, and for area residents. The cost is being paid for entirely from parking fees and fines.
I’m glad to hear it; we avoid parking there at all costs. We’ll need it more and more in the future as the core population intensifies.
It is a shame people behave this way. While surface parking is not as efficient it does have much fewer problems.
How was / is the dog ? were they charged ?
Yes
The dog was injured but survived. A resident witnessed this but the individual was gone before action could be taken.