Ottawa City Hall: Enhanced security measures

The City of Ottawa will be implementing enhanced security measures at City Hall, starting May 26.   Over the years, security risks and incidents have evolved, resulting in various levels of government updating their security procedures for entry into their administrative and legislative centres. As a result, the City will be adopting security screening measures, which is a best practice model that it is currently in place in other public-facing government buildings in the national capital region, as well as at City Hall buildings in Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal. Ottawa City Hall will remain a welcoming environment for all – a place to conduct civic business, to engage, and to celebrate. Operating hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. All visitors entering City Hall will be asked to use the Laurier Avenue West and Lisgar Street entrances. Visitors are required to have their bags screened and go through a metal detector, much like they would at professional sports venues. The screening process will be efficient, respectful and courteous. Bilingual guidance and directions will be provided throughout by security personnel, as well as through signage displayed inside and outside the facility. To avoid any delays, visitors should ensure they do not carry any of the following prohibited items:

• Sharp objects, blades or tools
• Compressed gas cylinders, aerosol cans, or powders
• Explosive or flammable items
• Weapons – including toy replicas
• Noisemakers, megaphones or air horns
• Large placards or signs (that are not made of cardboard or cloth)

Security screening process During the Security screening process visitors will be required to:

• Place all personal items including coats, cell phones, laptops, purses, bags and the contents of their pockets onto a tray for x-ray screening
• Walk through a metal detector

Accommodations will be made available upon request for people with disabilities or other individualized needs. The City’s security screening procedures account for special circumstances/considerations and security staff have received accessibility training.  Visitor access to City Hall on weekends On weekends, access to City Hall will be limited to the Laurier Avenue West entrance; however, people with disabilities arriving at the Lisgar Street entrance can call for assistance by using an intercom located near the exterior doors.  No changes are being made to parking garage accessibility; the City Hall parking garage will continue to be open 24/7. On weekends, however, visitors entering City Hall from the parking garage by elevator are required to use the elevators on the Laurier Avenue West side.