Increased police presence needed in downtown St. Catharines

Mayor Walter Sendzik believes downtown St. Catharines is safe but said there’s a growing perception it’s not.

Sendzik made the comment Thursday during a presentation to members of the Niagara Regional Police board.

The mayor was following up on a March city council motion requesting a permanent foot patrol operation in downtown St. Catharines to deal with complex and multi-layered social and economic issues.

“There’s increased pressure in our downtown … those challenged with mental health issues are migrating downtown because we have additional services,” Sendzik said.

He asked the board to increase foot patrols and to work with the city on ways to enhance security.

“I know it’s not just St. Catharines struggling with this,” said Sendzik.

With both Meridian Centre and FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and new privately-owned residences for Brock University students in the downtown core, he said much has changed in the past few years.

He said the city is looking to create a safe space for everyone, and he knows it won’t be easy and won’t be cheap.

Board member David Barrick, Port Colborne’s out-going regional councillor, said issues in downtown cores are a common theme across Niagara.

He said the police board has gone to lengths to get out and meet in the various communities and was glad to see the mayor before members with his request.

“What do you envision the city’s role would be in a partnership?” Barrick asked.

Sendzik said looking at what kind of technology could be adopted and how best to utilize that technology.

There are CCTV cameras downtown. Cameras installed on both city hall and the library that point toward the streets, he said.

Tisha Polocko, St. Catharines Downtown Association executive director, also spoke to the board about permanent police foot patrols.

Representing more than 550 business owner and tenants, Polocko said citizens need to feel safe and comfortable.

She spoke of two recent incidents involving smashed storefront windows. She said foot patrols could discourage that kind of behaviour.

With the loss of police headquarters downtown, Polocko said there has been an adverse effect. She said BIA members were worried about the move of the District 1 office, too.

When the District 1 office is moved from the downtown core, it will still be in the urban boundary she heard from the board.

Chief Bryan MacCulloch said there are foot and bike patrols downtown — and in other municipalities as well. But he said they won’t solve all of the problems and didn’t want to create a false sense of security with them.

“The issues in the downtown are complex … There is a role for police to be part of the solution.”