City council is expected to give Norpro Security a one-year extension on Monday, allowing it to continue downtown security patrols through the coming year.
"The goal of the foot patrol program is to provide an additional level of safety and security in the downtown area and help prevent unwanted vandalism and crime," says Karen Marlow, the city's manager of purchasing.
"Staff are pleased with the program's success and the quality of services Norpro Security provides and recommend continuing the services for a one-year term in 2025," Marlow wrote in a report prepared for Monday's city council meeting.
Last year, Norpro did walking patrols of Queenstown from July through December, under a city contract financed with one-time funding provided by the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board.
During budget discussions last month, city staff recommended spending $200,000 to continue the security patrols in 2025.
But councillors reduced that amount to $150,000, with a recommendation that council decide this year whether that $150,000 should be spent on downtown security or reallocated for other city needs.
"Norpro has provided firm hourly rate fees for services," Marlow says.
"Patrol schedules may vary based on season and analysis of key times, and will be managed within the 2025 approved funding of $150,000 allocated for downtown security patrols."
Monday's city council meeting will be live-streamed on SooToday starting at 5 p.m.