Council has reversed course — a security guard will be returning to Talbot Gardens, with the goal of having someone in place by May.
The original decision to remove the guard was revisited after Councillor Kim Huffman successfully brought the motion back for discussion.
Councillor Alan Duthie, who first championed the security guard following community concerns, introduced a new motion calling for a full-year service.
He pointed out that Talbot Gardens is used during the summer months for lacrosse, and with the warming shelter across the street now operating year-round, the need for security remains.
He argued the guard should never have been removed, as the original concerns that led to the position still exist.
Councillor Adam Veri continued to oppose the idea, calling it a costly band-aid solution.
He maintained that if a security guard is required, the responsibility should fall on user groups — as is the case in many other County-run facilities.
But Councillors Duthie and Huffman disagreed, saying public safety is a County responsibility — not one that should be downloaded to local clubs.
Simcoe Councillor Doug Brunton also rejected the comparison to other facilities, stating that each community faces different challenges and shouldn’t be treated the same.
Mayor Amy Martin said she appreciated the respectful dialogue on the issue, but voiced concern over some of the public feedback — particularly suggestions that councillors who opposed the guard didn’t care about public safety.
She added that much of the debate unfortunately seemed to pit people against one another, which she said should not be the outcome.
The returning security guard will work up to 36 hours per week, depending on need.
Council will revisit the decision later this year, with staff expected to bring forward several options for consideration during the 2026 budget process in January.