The Ontario government has made changes to its Private Security and Investigative Services Act to accommodate the need for extra security during the Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015.
Section 39 of the law previously prevented the Ontario Provincial Police from hiring additional security for the games. Now, private security guards can be hired specifically for the game’s venues, which will include York’s Pan Am and Parapan Am Athletics Stadium Sergeant Pierre Chamberland of the Ontario Provincial Police says planning for the security for the games is ongoing. During the games, which are being held across the Greater Toronto Area, the OPP will be taking the lead in the organization of security at the games.
Chamberland confirms additional security that will be present at York during that time.
“It depends on what games are being played where and when at York, but there is going to be some added security steps,” says Chamberland. “However, we are trying to make it as seamless as possible.”
The OPP are not willing to provide specific details regarding the number of security guards that will be hired for York, but say they will work alongside York’s security during the games.
Chamberland says the roles of the hired security guards won’t be policing the games, but to simply ensure security.
“They are going to do no more, and they are going to do no less.”
Joanne Rider of York’s media team notes that security staff within York will continue to provide campus security services outside of the game’s venue.
“York University will collaborate with local law enforcement agencies as appropriate given the responsibilities of each to support the safe conduct of the 2015 Pan Am Games,” says Rider.
“The amount, if any, of extra security on campus that is outside of the games venue is speculative at this moment, and will likely be comprised of law enforcement agencies.”
Michael Burton
Executive Editor (Online)
