RRC Polytech boosts security measures at downtown Winnipeg campus

Red River College Polytechnic is increasing security measures at its campus in Winnipeg's Exchange District, including adding security personnel and limiting public access, after recent incidents at other Manitoba post-secondary schools heightened safety concerns for students and staff. 

The college has hired additional security officers who will be stationed at multiple doorways at the campus's Roblin Centre, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and Paterson GlobalFoods Institute buildings starting Monday, a Friday statement from the college said.

Doorways that don't have a security officer present will remain locked, the release said. 

The college has also added a second vehicle to its safe ride program, which offers escorts for students, staff and visitors to and from locations near its facilities, and introduced a mobile unit to alert the security team of any safety incidents or concerns, RRC Polytech human resources officer Melanie Gudmundson said in an email to all staff and students on Monday.

She said the new measures were being implemented as "recent events within the city have heightened awareness and concerns."

On Oct. 28, a woman was assaulted by an intruder who broke into her University of Manitoba residence room.

And last weekend, two unidentified men randomly attacked a woman less than a block from the Brandon University campus.

At RRC Polytech, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a small fire in a breakout room on the fifth floor of the Roblin Centre's William Building on Nov. 22, a notice to students and staff said. 

Gudmundson said security responded to that incident immediately, and the building was evacuated. There were no injuries reported and the fifth floor was reopened on Monday.

The college didn't disclose a cause for the fire, but said it was working with the fire department on the ongoing investigation. 

Earlier this year, a 23-year-old man was charged with arson and theft after a fire was set inside a building at the college's Exchange District campus on Feb. 23. That fire was set midday on a Friday, while staff and students were on campus.

Public access restrictions at college

Gudmundson also said the college has been working with the Winnipeg police and cadets to increase patrols around the Exchange District Campus and check in with security regularly. 

The college's Friday update said further security measures will be implemented in the new year, including a requirement that students and staff carry valid college identification to access the downtown campus and restrictions on public access to the campus.

Public access will be restricted to public spaces on campus such as Tim Hortons and Jane's Restaurant only, except for approved visitors such as service personnel or guests.

The college said it is also developing a process to allow people participating in special events, conferences and other activities to continue accessing the buildings without any disruptions. More details will be released in the coming weeks, the college said.

Angela Felipe, the president of the RRC Polytech Students' Association, said the new security measures are a sign the college is listening to students' concerns around safety on campus. 

"I think they've put this measure in place to make sure that safety comes first and that students are being looked after," she said.

Felipe said more students have been reporting cases of theft recently to the students' association at the downtown campus, and she hopes increasing security efforts and the coming restriction on public access will put students at ease.

RRC Polytech president and CEO Fred Meier was not available for an interview on Saturday.