Norfolk County Council has approved a motion by Councillor Alan Duthie to hire security guards for Talbot Gardens following safety concerns.
The decision comes after recent incidents, where children were exposed to drug paraphernalia in the arena’s washrooms. General Manager of Operations, Bill Cridland, reported previous trespass orders issued to individuals caught using drugs on the property, calling the situation an escalating issue. He went on to point out that the current staffing does not allow for constant monitoring of washrooms.
Duthie said he had heard from a number of concerned parents. Noting the arena is in constant use by minor hockey organizations and figure skaters. Duthie shared an alarming experience that a parent involved in minor hockey had emailed to him.
This email came from a parent that is also a police officer, suggesting that security guards be hired, like he had seen in Brantford and Tillsonburg arenas. The second email came from a parent of three, who waited outside the washroom door with their other children.
Duthie’s motion aims to have security guards check the washrooms regularly to help prevent further incidents. Council also requested a staff report to assess long-term security needs at the arena and other public buildings. Security measures will be implemented immediately at Talbot Gardens.
Written by Jeremy Hall