Province to end 24-hour security at Oak Tree Towers – petition to be submitted – PortageOnline.com [Video]

Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza met with residents of Oak Tree Towers last Friday after learning 24-hour security at the Manitoba Housing complex for seniors will end June 24. The facility, which houses 55+ residents, has relied on around-the-clock safety personnel for the past month to address crime and vandalism. Bereza pledged to challenge the decision in the Legislative Assembly today (Monday).

“What is the thinking behind this?”

Bereza says the move undermines progress made at the building.

“We’ve been able to get your homes back, and now they’re being taken away. I don’t understand why you fix something that’s not broken. Nobody told me this was going to be temporary. Did any of you? That’s what I thought.”

He criticized the province’s rationale, arguing security reduces strain on emergency services. “If the government says they can’t afford it, [ending security] cuts costs for community safety officers, RCMP and the fire department. I’ll present petitions …