Security Blocks City Hall Services: BENN
The difference between most federal buildings and Ottawa City Hall is that federal buildings, for the most part, do not provide services to the public. There is no need for the general public to access these buildings.
In contrast, as has been pointed out by journalist Ken Gray and former councillor Alex Cullen, both past frequent users of city hall facilities, the city offers many services on site.
There are amenities within city hall that were designed to attract the general public. There are events, both regularly scheduled (committee and council meetings) and special (commemorations, awards) that are by definition open to the public.
That is the part of the equation that staff need to explain more fully. Why do the enhanced security facilities need to start at the entrance, as contrasted with at the doors that lead to where staff work?
Finally, taking action before knowing what it will cost is not the sign of a mature organization. Especially when there is no legitimate emergency at hand. In contrast, dysfunctional organizations are noted for reacting rather than planning. Making spending commitments with insufficient information at hand.
Seeking forgiveness, not permission.
Ron Benn, a finance executive, has been a member of the Centrepointe Community Association for the better part of three decades.
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Normally, prior to spending hundreds of thousands on a change, there must be a risk and also a cost analysis. It appears the city has not provided us with any analysis documentation to justify a large change such as this. If correct, there is a problem.
Ron. This is what we in the ‘biz call “Ready, Fire, Aim”. You do make two interesting points 1) concerning the federal buildings, aside from local Service Canada outlets I have never entered any federal building in my 40+ years living in Ottawa, and 2) screening already occurs on the second floor of city hall, prior to entering the councilors’ offices area. Having forgotten about point 2, this raises the question who or what exactly are the new gates providing security for?
I’m concerned that airport style security checks are required for pedestrians, however, you can still park your vehicle below the building without being screened. If a Threat and Risk Assessment has determined that a serious threat may occur, but recommends only screening pedestrians, something was missed, or disregarded.