Enhanced security measures still in place at Cambridge city hall

Heightened security measures are still in place at city hall in Cambridge, Ont. CTV’s Krista Simpson explains why.

Nearly two weeks after the City of Cambridge moved a council meeting online due to safety concerns, enhanced security measures are still in place at city hall.

People are being asked to enter the building using only one door at the side of the building. They also need to check in when they arrive.

On Friday, a trio of portable washrooms could be seen outside city hall for public use. CTV News confirmed they were recently installed.

“The porta-potties have been set up as security looks to limit the number of people that are coming into the building at this time,” Corey Kimpson, Ward 3 Councillor, explained.

The city also posted a notice to its social media accounts on Friday announcing two meetings scheduled for next week, the Planning Statutory Public Meeting and the Committee of Adjustment Meeting, would be held in a hybrid format. Councillors and staff will be able to attend those meetings in person, but members of the public will only be able to join in virtually.

“Heightened security measures remain in place to ensure a safe and respectful environment for Council, staff and community members,” an email from the city confirmed.

The decision comes after a city council meeting last week was moved fully online after a member of the community left a threatening voicemail on Sept. 22.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service has said the person who left the message did not go to city hall or any other city facility and no criminal charges were laid.

“WRPS continues to work with the City of Cambridge staff and City Hall security to ensure that public safety is maintained at City Hall,” Sgt. Cody Shipp, from WRPS’s General Investigations Unit, said in an email to CTV News on Friday.

The city has not elaborated on the incident.

“I certainly respect that the senior leadership team has made the decision [to conduct hybrid meetings] in an effort to keep everybody safe,” Kimpson said.

However, some councillors have acknowledged the decision can make it difficult for some people to participate.

“I raised my concerns with the clerk because not everybody has access to technology, nor is everyone able to use technology to the best of their ability,” Kimpson said.

Ward 7 Councillor Scott Hamilton voiced similar concerns.

“I think this move is being taken out of an abundance of caution,” he said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to someone’s security. But democracy is based on in-person discussions. That transparency and that accountability comes from us being in the council chamber with each other, with staff, with the public. We’re all excited to get back there sooner rather than later.”

It is not clear when the public will be welcomed back into council chambers or how long the enhanced security measures will be in place.