ERIN – The Town of Erin will spend up to $45,000 for enhanced security at Centre 2000 after a recent incident that led to a hold and secure precaution at the high school.
Parks and recreation officer Jamie Adams reported to council on Feb. 5 that there had been a long-range plan to upgrade the “inadequate” system, which has only residential quality video surveillance and no centralized control over doors to the building, staff areas and high-value risk areas.
Staff decided to request immediate upgrades after the Dec. 3 report of a firearm discharge on Erindale Drive.
This led to a hold and secure precaution at Erin Public School and at Erin District High School, which has a shared space with the town at Centre 2000.
There were no injuries or damage but charges, including careless use of a firearm, were later laid against a 17-year-old.
Adams said there are surveillance and security gaps between the town and school systems.
The town will spend $22,000 for new video surveillance, which will include night vision, covering all doorways, public lobbies, offices, cash-handling locations, arena stands, staircases, mechanical room entrances and the EWCS food bank.
“Video cameras will not only act as a deterrent but help protect public users and staff,” said Adams.
Outdoor facilities such as the skate park, tennis club, baseball diamond and parking lots will also be covered, cutting the risk of vandalism, theft and property damage.
Doors will now have swipe pads for key fob entry by staff, with a central control system managed by the IT department.
Entrance doors will be programmed to be left unlocked during business hours and will automatically lock at all other times.
The access system will cost $19,000, and $4,000 has been allocated for contingencies.
The expenditures will not immediately impact taxes, since the funds will be withdrawn from the Centre 2000 capital reserve fund.
