Item - 2021.PA25.4

The Board of Directors of Toronto Parking Authority:

1.  Authorized the President, Toronto Parking Authority, to enter into a contract with City of Toronto's approved vendor Met-Scan Canada Limited for the supply and installation of closed-circuit television cameras, emergency intercoms and door access readers at nine (9) Toronto Parking Authority off-street parking facilities, having submitted the highest scoring bid and meeting all specifications in conformance with the City of Toronto procurement process from the date of award to March 31, 2023.

As background, in March 2018 (Item PA8.4), City of Toronto Corporate Security commenced a security review of Toronto Parking Authority garages with a particular focus on those facilities experiencing higher frequencies of reported incidents. This assessment identified the need to invest in a more robust, multi-layered security platform utilizing incremental personnel, facility enhancements, and technology.

The first element of the programme focused on the deployment of security guards. Garda Canada was awarded the security contract December 12, 2019 (Item PA11.6). Subsequently, on April 6, 2021 (Item PA22.4), Management was granted the authority to expand its existing two-year contract with Garda Canada by a sum not to exceed $1,100,000 including contingencies. This request was driven by the unprecedented increase in vandalism, drug use, vagrancy and customer/staff harassment across our portfolio with the most egregious issues occurring in our city centre locations (Table 2 - Reported Security Incidents).

The second critical element of our security programme is the recommended deployment of specialized equipment including closed-circuit television cameras, emergency intercoms and access control systems to act as an additional deterrent to vandals while providing increased levels of security and safety for our customers and staff. Phase One of this project will focus on our nine (9) priority garages, it will require an authorized investment of $4.7 M and will take up to three (3) years to complete. Management will update the Board on our deployment status on a semi-annual basis beginning in 2022.