City adds overnight security presence in downtown Cambridge

Cambridge, Ontario. September 29 – The City has launched a new security patrol in downtown Cambridge to provide an additional level of safety and security for businesses and residents in the evenings and overnight.

Four security guards have been contracted to add a presence in the Galt core area between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., seven days a week.

The additional security will consist of two on-foot security guards and two patrol cars. They will work in tandem with the City’s By-law enforcement officers who will continue to maintain a presence in downtown Cambridge seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays until midnight.

The new security guards will also work closely with the City’s Ambassador Team who provide maintenance, ambassador and beautification services in the three core areas.  As well, they will work in partnership with the Waterloo Regional Police Service on more serious issues or concerns.

“This is one more step we are taking to ensure people feel safe in our beautiful Galt core area, especially after hours as we head into the fall and winter months,” said Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “Overnight coverage was raised by the Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Association as a priority and I’m so pleased we could work together to make this happen.”

"Downtown Cambridge is made up of some of the most diverse and resilient businesses in our City," added Downtown Cambridge BIA Executive Director Brian Kennedy, noting the successful opening of several new businesses and very few closures since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are very pleased with this new program. Fostering the investments made into our core area is our utmost priority, and as the Business Improvement Association, we continue to strongly advocate for their protection."

The City is committed to embracing innovative approaches and partnerships that work towards ensuring the well-being of our core areas. For example, the City developed an online app to report and track needle debris and litter, and has implemented enhanced security lighting and cameras in downtown Cambridge including Mill Race Park and along City trails. Issues can also be reported using an online form on the City’s website at www.cambridge.ca/ReportanIssue.

City staff and Council continue to advocate for long-term and compassionate solutions at regional, provincial and federal levels to address complex social issues, such as homelessness and poverty, as well as funding for addictions and mental health programs.

For more information on some of the actions the City has taken to date to protect public safety and enhance the downtown cores, visit www.cambridge.ca/CoreAreaSafety.

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Primary media contacts

Susanne Hiller
Director of Communications
City of Cambridge
hillers@cambridge.ca

Danielle Manton
City Clerk
City of Cambridge
mantond@cambridge.ca

Brian Kennedy
Executive Director
Downtown Cambridge BIA
info@downtowncambridgebia.ca