JASON SETNYK
Cornwall City Council has received a detailed risk assessment presentation regarding the soon-to-open Massey Commons transitional housing facility. James Strickland, a consultant with GardaWorld, walked council through the study’s findings, which aim to improve safety, reduce community friction, and maintain a welcoming residential atmosphere.
The study, commissioned by the City’s Human Services Department, assessed the site through multiple lenses: physical environment, community perception, and operational resilience. Using methodologies such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Trauma-Informed Care, and social psychology models like Integrated Threat Theory, the report analyzed how to proactively mitigate risks.
Strickland stressed the timing of the study was deliberate. “The site was still in the pre-renovation phase, which gave us a chance to focus on the perimeter and the community, rather than base building details,” he said. Some recommendations may have already been addressed since the walkthrough, but that wasn’t within the scope of his presentation.
One of the top priorities was improving sightlines and lighting. Strickland said natural surveillance-being able to see and be seen-was one of the most powerful deterrents. “Light at night is the enemy of criminals and criminal behaviors,” he told council, while cautioning against harsh floodlights. “The goal is safety without turning the place into a prison camp.”
The report recommends 360-degree exterior lighting, pedestrian-scale fixtures in common areas, and CPTED-aligned landscaping to clearly define public and private spaces. Future phases propose installing a pergola or outdoor shelter to redirect gathering spots away from doorways, while supporting social activity in a safer, visible setting.
Another concern was the facility’s video monitoring system. Strickland said the original plan relied on footage being pulled after an incident, but he now recommends limited live monitoring during emergencies. “This is not about surveillance,” he said. “It’s about safety governance and ensuring staff can act quickly if needed.” He emphasized that cameras will be limited to common areas and not installed in any private or sleeping spaces, in line with privacy laws.
Community perception, however, emerged as one of the most significant challenges. According to Strickland, many neighbourhood concerns stem from misinformation and fear of the unknown. “The majority of the angst wasn’t based on fact-it was just a perception,” he said, adding that there’s no evidence of increased threats from similar facilities.
Councillor Elaine MacDonald, who lives nearby, said she hears “lots of fear” in the community and commended the consultant’s balanced tone. “I can’t say enough about the report’s approach,” she said. “We need to reduce the ‘us versus them’ narrative.” MacDonald suggested open houses or community barbecues to help neighbours and future residents connect. Human Services GM Mellissa Morgan agreed, noting plans are already underway to host a ribbon-cutting and public event once the building is ready.
Operational resilience was also flagged. The report noted a lack of oversight after hours, recommending a phased approach: starting with peer navigators or housing workers, then potentially introducing non-uniformed security or police patrols if required.
Councillor Fred Ngoundjo raised questions about why the study didn’t use traditional risk assessment metrics like hazard probability and severity. Strickland responded that while he didn’t dispute the value of that approach, the goal here was to focus on lived experience and practical concerns unique to this site. “You don’t need a detailed formula to see what the key risks are,” he said. Ngoundjo also questioned why the work wasn’t done by Cornwall Police Service. Staff responded that residents involved with the Massey Commons Concerned Citizens Committee had requested a third-party consultant for independence. Strickland confirmed he consulted with police, who expressed no concerns about the project.
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