Signs, banners among items being banned from Ottawa City Council Chambers in 2020
Posted Dec 13, 2019 08:19:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The City of Ottawa plans to install security access gates at two public entrances to Andrew S. Haydon Hall in the new year, to help it enforce new rules for visitors andf media members at City Hall.
The city says it's all part of an effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for all City Council, Standing Committee and Transit Commission meetings.
The foyer entrance, leading from Jean Pigott Place, will be designated for all members of the public and media. Before passing through the gates, security personnel will inspect all purses, bags and overcoats. In addition, they will observe and assess all visitors to ensure they are not carrying any prohibited items.
A separate lineup at the public entrance will be dedicated for individuals with accessibility requirements.
If someone exits the foyer, they will be asked to re-enter the security screening process.
The city estimates the time to complete the screening process at about one minute. To avoid any delays, the public and media are advised to arrive a bit earlier, avoid carrying any unnecessary baggage, and ensure they are not in possession of any prohibited items.
The city's list of objects that may compromise safety or security is as follows:
- Outside food and beverages (empty plastic and metallic bottles are permitted and can be filled in the washrooms or water fountain located in the secured area)
- Noisemakers, megaphones or airhorns
- Signs and banners
- Sharp objects, blades or striking tools, such as scissors, knives, collapsible batons, and box cutters
- Compressed gas cylinders not needed for medical purposes, aerosol cans, and non-sealed batteries
- Explosive or flammable items, such as fireworks, ammunition, fuels (including cooking fuel), gas and micro torches and torch lighters
- Firearms, including toy and replicas
- Any unchecked bags
Members of Council and city staff will be able to enter the foyer to the Council Chambers using a city-issued photo ID access card at the security gate located underneath the staircase by the Lisgar Street entrance.
The security gates will be in operation for all City Council meetings, as well as Standing Committee and Transit Commission meetings held within Council Chambers, and other special events, if required.
The construction for the installation of the new security gates and equipment will start on December 17, 2019, with ongoing testing to follow.
