KAWARTHA LAKES-The security company hired to police a City-owned housing complex in Lindsay has pulled out for the safety of their staff.
“A weapon was brandished a while back so we implemented some new safety measures, then there was a shooting and without the proper safety processes that we requested we could not continue without jeopardizing our staff.” Steve Root, owner of Fortify Protection told Kawartha 411 News.
On January 30th, Kawartha Lakes Police Service responded to 68 Lindsay Street North for a disturbance call. A second caller reported there had been a shooting. Police responded and located a gunshot victim who was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries according to police.
Root says after that incident they had asked the City to allow them to implement additional safety protocols but their hands were tied due to the Landlord-Tenant Act.
“We wanted to implement a screening process at the door. In other places we work there’s a process where we could screen people for weapons. If they showed themselves to be displaying acute intoxication from drugs or alcohol we have the ability to turn them away. ” Root explains. “It’s the inability to restrict access and uphold the trespass to property act because it is a residential building and covered by the landlord and tenant act.”
The building consists of 24, one-bedroom, geared to income social service apartments.
Residents told Kawartha 411 last summer that guards were inside the social housing facility for months and in July two guards were added to patrol outside the building as well. Residents, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, told Kawartha 411 that the guards ask anyone entering the building for ID and those who don’t reside there are turned away.
The City said it hired security in May
“Security started in May to manage unwanted guests to support tenants. Security has been increased given the (COVID)outbreak to further manage guests and to support tenants where possible.” said a statement provided to Kawartha411.
Fortify Protection pulled out of the facility on March 2nd. The City says it is working to make changes at the facility.
“The City of Kawartha Lakes and KLH Housing Corp. have been actively working with several community partners to explore and make changes to our supportive housing program units, located at 68 Lindsay Street North and other buildings. The change in security companies is just one of these changes, which happened seamlessly on March 2. We look forward to jointly releasing a media release with our community partners later this spring that will provide an overview of our new collaborative approach with our supportive housing program.” Michelle Corley, Housing Manager, City of Kawartha Lakes told Kawartha 411.
“We loved working there and the residents liked having us.” Root said. “I love my guards, I would walk away from a contract all day long, I don’t care about money, I care about my staff.”
