• The very nature of the business (sales of Cannabis products) warrants a high degree of target hardening security features, above what a more conventional retail business may require, in order to prevent criminal activity from germinating. This should come in the form of higher security locking hardware, high resolution CCTV recording capability, a security alarm system, robust illumination levels and clear instructional signage.

Most Anticipated Public Safety Challenges

This assessment has identified the most likely public safety issues/challenges that are anticipated, requiring the attention of the Windsor Police Service. These need to be recognized and addressed by the applicant to ensure an adequate maintenance of public safety, security, and general public order. In no particular order these are:

LOITERING

Loitering in general represents a fundamental root cause for elevated safety concerns and reduced perceptions of safety and comfort by all stakeholders. It therefore needs to be addressed properly as the site is redeveloped. The close proximity of both the Windsor International Aquatic Centre (in and around which loitering has been a problem in the past) and an LCBO store collectively represent physical spaces with the highest vulnerability to loitering. Windsor Police will certainly be monitoring this through our regular patrols but the owner also needs to maintain regular monitoring of this during operating hours as well. The very close proximity to the liquor store located on the opposite corner in particular puncuates the importance of controlling activity. Loitering, if tolerated, acts as a conduit to more dangerous offenses/situations that can negatively impact other businesses and public spaces within the general vicinity and therefore needs to be prevented.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AROUND STOREFRONT

The site’s physical orientation is well suited to pedestrian access. The only potential safety concern is clustering of patrons in large groups on the public sidewalk near the entrance and subsequently close to the University/Church intersection. This could inhibit other pedestrians to safely pass by and also cause some individuals to spill over onto the adjacent roadway. A well thought out crowd control plan by the applicant is required to ensure a high level of ongoing safety of the public is maintained.

Summary of Police Incident Data at Sites Within the Immediate Area

An examination of police incident response data for the two block stretch of University Avenue West where the store is to be centred was examined. The data revealed the following: