The University of Winnipeg is bringing in new ways to keep students feeling safe in the aftermath of two stabbings and a string of thefts.
On Monday, the number of security guards increased by 33 per cent on campus and some entrances more open to the public were fitted with constant patrol during the daytime and evening before the doors lock to the public.
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Chris Minaker is the Senior Executive Officer at the University of Winnipeg.
He said the increased security presence is a result of the university wanting to constantly update its security practices but it is also a response to the recent stabbings and robberies on and around campus.
“Students and staff will see a noticeable increase in security,” Minaker said.
He also said the security app that was created and introduced in September to students and the public who spend time on campus had a slow start but this week, following last weeks stabbings, there was a 55 per cent increase in downloads and usage of the app.
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Kylie Senangelo is a student at the University of Winnipeg and she said while she has noticed an increased security presence on campus this week, she still feels more changes need to be made.
But, Minaker said it’s a public space that needs to remain that way with the 500-600 public events that take place on campus every year.
“We live in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Canada and it doesn’t make sense to build a moat around this university. It’s not appropriate and it’s not what we’re all about,” Minaker said.
The school’s security plan is currently under review, and Minaker said that should be done with new recommendations being presented by early 2018.
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