City council has approved more than a quarter-million dollars in repairs and security enhancements at the James Street Sewage Pumping Station.
Council received a report from staff at its meeting Monday recommending equipment repairs and security system enhancements at the property at 125 James St. W. due to recent incidents of trespassing, break-ins and equipment thefts. The report notes all sewage feeds through the facility prior to entering the treatment plant and damage to it could cause “a catastrophic impact to the city waste water process.”
The total of the costs listed in the report is $278,750. These costs would be covered by funds from the wastewater reserve, with $180,000 for site upgrades using ‘crime prevention through environmental design’ standards, which the report says could include increased lighting and trimming back overgrown landscaping with better sight lines with enhanced fencing and signage indicating it as a secure, off-limits area, as well as projecting the sense the station is actively managed and protected.
Another $28,000 for a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera system to monitor the property. Full-time CCTV monitoring provides real-time surveillance and recording, allowing for immediate response to an intrusion, as well as being available for evidence, the report notes. The visible presence of cameras can also be a deterrent.
The project includes $50,000 for replacing and repairing fencing and lock upgrades. There is also $20,500 for hiring on-site overnight security and the annual expense of $250 for an internet connection to support security communications. An on-site guard is suggested in the report as that person can provide an immediate response to any intruders as well as assess and respond to system emergencies including environmental hazards and equipment failures.
The report states the site was breached on numerous occasions in September. Roger Young, general manager of environmental and infrastructure services, told council there have been break-ins at two other facilities. He also said this is not a problem particular to Orillia, noting there have been widespread reports through the Ontario Provincial Police of similar incidents. Young also said those acts could pose a safety threat to anyone working at the site as well as those engaging in the crimes.
When asked by council if there were any other mitigation strategies or less expensive options, especially around the fencing, Young told them the fencing upgrade would be a substantial component of the enhancement, with sheathing making it much more formidable to breach.
Staff said there have been break-ins and thefts at other city facilities, but a city spokesperson said details about those incidents could not be released because they are “active police matters.”
