City hall’s new security measures garner mixed reviews [Video]

Ottawa city hall implemented enhanced security measures at its public entrances Monday, raising questions about what led to them and whether they’re actually warranted.

Visitors to city hall must now undergo bag checks and pass through a metal detector to enter the building. They’re also prohibited from bringing in sharp objects, aerosols and other banned items.

Access to the building has been limited to the entrances at Laurier Avenue W. and Lisgar Street.

The city announced the new measures earlier this month, noting they’re in line with those at other public buildings in the capital including the Ottawa Courthouse next door. Other municipalities such as Toronto have had similar measures in place for years.

“These measures will enable people to use the building freely, knowing that we took the steps …