Ottawa police 'actively engaged' with group building private security forces on former St. Brigid property in Lower Town

Ottawa police say officers visited Old St Brigid Church Confirmed. The property on Sunday, in response to community concerns about the prospective new owners and their intentions to entrust a "significant private security force."

Police said he "actively" visited the Old Catholic Church on two occasions, one on July 15 and one on Sunday, and that the group The United People of Canada (TUPOC) I spoke with the executives of This is disturbing to some of his members of the community that he has perceived ties to the "Freedom Convoy".

Interim Police Chief Steve Bell sent a memo to the Police Service Commission, noting that in recent weeks there were "serious public concerns raised in connection with the purchase of Old St. Brigid's Church in Lower Town."

Officials "have been actively engaging with the new residents of the Church," Bell said, adding that at their final meeting on Sunday, "recent reports of mischief and theft on property and , discussed plans to create a private security force for TUPOC." Power.

In a recent post on TUPOC's Facebook page, the group called the security of the facility, called the "Embassy," "the first member of our private security force." commissioned," he claims.

The public has expressed concern about the relationship between TUPOC supporters and the 'Freedom Convoy' protests. Group directors include William Comer, Diane Nolan and Kimberly Ward.

Kommel previously told the newspaper that he was in OTawa to protest.

Nolan frequently posts on Facebook about his attendance at the "Freedom Convoy," telling live video viewers the day police entered to clear out protesters. recommended to head downtown. "With so many people here, I don't know what they should do," she said later. "This is a protest for our freedom. They will thank us later, they just don't get it yet.

Ward said she served as an adviser to Dwayne Rich, husband of convoy organizer Tamara Rich.

A post pinned to Dwayne Lich's Facebook profile page linked to the TUPOC website, where he had been posting about the organization since late March.

Komer stated in an earlier interview with the newspaper that Tamara Rich was not involved in TUPOC "in any way" and that "all We welcome support from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, religions and beliefs.

Comer also said Dwayne Rich: The Social Enterprise Organization and its mission is to restore and adaptively reuse surplus and underutilized institutional property into vibrant and inclusive community spaces.

Now in a telephone interview, Comer said the group had appointed a "significant" security force. Responses to what he said were incidents of theft, vandalism and death threats.

"We are developing a private security force to protect property and protect members and participants at various events and community conversations," Kommer said. , has committed many criminal acts against us … there was egging, part of the flagpole was broken, there was banner theft, flag theft, we received death threats.” Comer said.

At one recent community barbecue, he became "increasingly belligerent" when attendees were asked to leave, "shouting obscenities" at the group from the pavement. I quoted the incident that followed.

"There has been no satisfactory response [from the Ottawa police], which has been a major consideration in building a sizeable civilian security force," he said. Told.

Police said he received four complaints from TUPOC related to "disturbance, online defamation, and two cases of theft from him," Bell said in a memo.

Police visited the property and "discussed with residents the rules and legalities of private security," Bell said. "Officers were advised that the supposed security was to have someone with a security license monitor the property 24/7."

and president of the Lowertown Community Association One Sylvie Biglas said many residents had become concerned about the group.

people are worried," Bigras said. "Lower Town is already a vulnerable area."

Bigras said the concept of a private security force was "absurd" for a church with a history of 130 years, which he said had an important history in the community. ' said.

“St. Brigid’s Church has been there for over 100 years and has hosted many community events and services and activities of all kinds. It turned into a central location and hosted all kinds of activities, bars, performances and numerous events.

"There was never any talk of hiring a private security force," Bigras said. "This leads you to say, 'Why does your group need this?'"

' is "like reopening a wound." within the community.

"When you have a convoy truck parked on your property, it's not a reassuring sight for people. It's a reminder of many difficult moments for people," said Bigras.

Komer said police had told his TUPOC about rumors that the group was "forming militias to patrol the streets, or doing something to influence them." He said he admitted to speaking. "That's not what we're doing. We explained our plan to them and the officers agreed everything was perfectly legal and they set off."

Comer refused to define how "massive" the group's planned force would be. has not disclosed, our private security forces are civilians," Comer said. "But the public should be aware that it is just a legitimate security force." We must employ licensed security guards who are trained to be familiar with relevant laws and regulations," the Secretary-General said.

A Department of Justice spokesman said Wednesday that the Attorney General "has not had any contact with the (TUPOC) group."

Using files by Taylor Blewett and Bruce Deachman

ahelmer@postmedia.com

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