Councillor proposes delivery lockers at City of Ottawa facilities to deter porch pirates

An Ottawa councillor wants to install secure delivery lockers at city facilities to help deter porch pirates.

Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stephanie Plante introduced a motion at council on Wednesday to direct staff to see if Amazon or other delivery companies would be interested in installing delivery lockers on city property.

Plante’s motion states, “porch pirates are an increasing issue throughout the city,” adding many residents in her ward work shifts and “cannot access traditional shopping during regular work hours.”

“The City owns facilities that could potentially host outdoor secure delivery lockers that would help reduce the incidence of porch piracy,” Plante said.

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The motion proposes staff in the Recreation, Cultural and Facilities Services Department issue a Request for Expressions of Interest to “determine if there are delivery/warehouse companies interested in installing, at their cost, secure outdoor delivery lockers on City property.”

Plante said there should be “fair market value” compensation to the city.

The motion also suggested that if a company expresses an interest, staff work with companies to “identify viable locations for the installation of outdoor secure lockers with safe access” for a pilot project, including at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre.

Council will vote on the motion at its meeting on April 22.