The city re-issued a request for proposals from security companies last week after it said the first round of competitive bidding failed to land an acceptable bid. The plan to station private guards in city parks has drawn criticism and concern about surveilling and potentially arresting people who are homeless and living in the spaces.
"If all you're doing is spending money on people who are going to rush them and send them to jail, that doesn't help somebody get off the streets." In April, the city awarded a temporary contract to provide park security to two separate firms for $500,000 until a contract could be awarded through a competitive process a month later.At the end of May, staff say they reviewed submissions from a competitive process and determined all of the bids did not meet the criteria of the request for proposal and did not award the contract.
Ross noted that security guards are allowed to act if they witness criminal activity and need to intervene. In those instances, they can perform a citizens' arrest, he said.Perks questioned why the RFP has been issued during Toronto's municipal election period, when council won't meet again to discuss the matter until later this year.
Diana Chan McNally, a crisis worker and advocate for those experiencing homelessness, said she too wants to see the city reverse course on the plan and spend the money to provide more shelter space. The city doesn't currently have enough safe space in its system, she said.
How about we give the uniforms and $100k salary to the people in the tents, if we don't want them living in the park?
It's what happens when the mayor works for Rogers.
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