'People feel unsafe': Prince Albert business group hires private security to patrol city's downtown
The Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District (PADBID) is hiring a private security company to supply guards to patrol the city's downtown during regular shopping hours.
“The feedback that we've been receiving is that people feel unsafe coming to the downtown to shop,” said PADBID Executive Director Rhonda Trusty.
She says business owners have noticed an increase in vagrancy.
“We have an element of people that are loitering in doorways that at are approaching customers for money of cigarettes,” Trusty said.
After discussions with the board, PADBID hired two private security guards.
Prince Albert Security Services has been hired by PADBID to supply two security guards to interact with the public and help direct those in need to services. Participating businesses will also be able to call the security guards while on duty to report issues.
“We just want to create an element of safety and create a positive shopping experience for people so they can enjoy coming back to the downtown,” said Trusty.
The security guards start work on July 1. They will work during regular daytime business hours, from Tuesday to Saturday until the end of September.
PADBID, Prince Albert Police Service and Prince Albert Security Services are collaborating to establish the pilot project.
The group has asked the guards to count the number of interactions with people. PADBID plans to use the data to seek government funding for future security projects.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.