October 19, 2017
Members of the public planning to attend Council meetings and Council Committee meetings are advised they will undergo a security screening before entry. Effective October 31, 2017 for Council Committee meetings, and November 1, 2017 for Council meetings, members of the public will be required to pass through a metal detector on their way in.
These changes have been in development for several months as part of a regular security assessment and are not in reaction to recent events in Edmonton. The security enhancements are consistent with protocols for governments and institutions across Canada, and are intended to make our safe environment at City Hall even safer.
“There may be slight delays for the public as we introduce these changes to the entry process,” said City Manager Linda Cochrane. “We hope the public will be patient and understand that the screening change will improve the Council and Council Committee meeting experience.”
Visitors will be required to empty their pockets of metal objects and place them in a container provided. Items in the container will be returned after the individual passes through the metal detector. Backpacks, bags, luggage, large purses and other items may be inspected visually as part of the screening process.
Prohibited items include firearms, ammunition, projectiles, stun guns, edged weapons, explosives, flammable substances and food and beverages. A complete list of prohibited items and more information on the screening procedure can be found at edmonton.ca/meetings.
