By Mark Squibb
October 27, 2023 Edition
Witless Bay council is tightening security on Town-owned buildings.
Councillor Ralph Carey, during last week’s public meeting, moved to approve the supply and installation of a new security system for the Town Hall, Fire Hall, and Puffin Centre to Babb Lock and Safe at a cost of $32,564, plus HST.
Carey said the town issued a request for quotes, and three suppliers were invited to complete an onsite assessment. Only two showed up, and of those two, Babb Lock and Safe presented the lower bid.
Town CAO Jennifer Aspell explained the security system will incorporate a new key card lock as well as new surveillance cameras and alarms.
Aspell said the cameras won’t be monitored “day-and-night,” but the footage will be stored electronically and easily accessible if need be.
“There will be an alarm system on the Town Hall, and the Fire Hall as well, and if the alarm triggers, someone like myself will get an update and we can check and see what’s happening,” said Aspell. “We don’t have any real security on any of our buildings at this time.”
Aspell added the Town will be installing security measures at the Puffin Centre as it is a Town-owned building but won’t be installing cameras near the community pantry out of respect for folks who may avail of the free food.
She also said that switching to a key card system will be especially helpful in cutting back the number of Puffin Centre keys floating around, as the building is rented out to community groups.
“So, with this key lock system, if you were renting the facility, we would give you a key card, and we can control that key card, we can allow you access for a specific time,” said Aspell.
The CAO said the measures will protect, amongst other things, Town records and millions of dollars worth of firefighting equipment.
“We have a lot to protect, and so $32,000 is not a big cost to protect all of that,” concluded Aspell.
Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard said that while the motion sounds expensive, there is a real need for the system.
Council unanimously approved the motion.
