Item - 2025.IE22.13

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council direct the Confidential Attachment 2 to the report (February 14, 2025) from the President, Toronto Parking Authority remain confidential in its entirety, as it pertains to the security of property belonging to the City of Toronto. 

At its meeting on May 15, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Toronto Parking Authority considered Item PA14.11 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (February 14, 2025) from the President, Toronto Parking Authority:

The purpose of this report is to respond to City Council’s request (IE17.5) for Toronto Parking Authority to review and consider a universal security protocol for their garages and parking lots and to provide a summary of the current security approach and assessment framework used to allocate security resources at Toronto Parking Authority facilities. This report also highlights findings from a community safety audit conducted at Car Park 150 (40 Larch Street), which the Council also requested through its adoption of IE17.5 at its meeting on November 13, 2024.

The Toronto Parking Authority is dedicated to delivering clean, safe, and efficient parking facilities that meet the needs of the customers and the communities it serves. Direct management and oversight of Toronto Parking Authority’s security program is the responsibility of the Corporate Security Section of Corporate Real Estate Management. A Service Level Agreement, executed on May 28, 2021, defines the service levels provided by Corporate Security‘s management of Toronto Parking Authority’s security program.

To maintain the highest standards of safety and security, Corporate Security and Toronto Parking Authority employ a risk-based, multi-layered security approach. This strategy addresses vulnerabilities through complementary measures, including physical security equipment, technology, data-driven analytics, trained personnel, and effective communication. By tailoring security measures to the specific risks of each facility, resources are more efficiently allocated, and threats effectively mitigated, creating a safer environment for Toronto Parking Authority customers and employees.

To further enhance safety, Corporate Security and Toronto Parking Authority collaborate with key partners to take a proactive approach to security. This includes working with the Toronto Police Service to increase police presence during high-risk periods and deploying community safety officers who address antisocial behaviour with a human-centred approach and engaging with community organizations to strengthen overall security efforts.

Since 2021, Toronto Parking Authority has increased its annual security services budget by $2.9 million (a 290 percent increase), bringing the total to $3.9 million. Additionally, Toronto Parking Authority has allocated $4.1 million for CCTV installations across seven garages and $2.7 million for enhanced vehicle and pedestrian access control systems.

Looking ahead, the Toronto Parking Authority plans to invest an additional $25.7 million over the next five years to expand access control measures. emergency communication systems and CCTV coverage, reinforcing its commitment to safety and public trust. These investments are directly aligned with the evolving post-pandemic landscape, addressing the rise in antisocial behaviour and security challenges impacting our communities.

Toronto Parking Authority is committed to a risk-based, multi-layered approach as the most effective way to deliver security services. This proven strategy aligns with Corporate Security's best practices across city divisions and agencies, ensuring a consistent and proactive approach to safety. By tailoring security measures to each location’s unique needs, we maximize resource efficiency while providing comprehensive, targeted protection - striking the right balance between adaptability and effectiveness.