Construction has begun on security upgrades at Winnipeg City Hall that will change how visitors enter the council building and add new screening measures.

Fencing now surrounds the entrance to the council building at 510 Main St. as crews begin work inside the lobby. While construction is happening, the public can enter via the Susan A. Thompson Building, which has a tunnel to the council building.

City tender documents show the project will remove the existing reception and security desks and install new glass partitions and doors to create a controlled entry point for visitors entering the building.

The work will also involve structural modifications, electrical work and ceiling changes to accommodate the new security walls. The city has budgeted $261,189 for the project, the tender says.

Waverley West Coun. Janice Lukes said the upgrades will also include some form of metal detection for people entering the building.

“There’s polycarbonate glass being installed. I know there’s some form of metal-detector device system being installed,” Lukes said in an interview Monday.

The changes follow calls from some councillors for stronger security measures at city hall after a number of incidents in recent years.

Lukes said disruptive behaviour at council meetings has highlighted the need for improved security.

“There have been meetings where the security guards have had to physically remove people from the chamber for their outbursts and their behaviour,” Lukes said.

The upgrades are meant to improve safety for staff, councillors and members of the public attending meetings, she said.

Visitors will still be able to attend meetings and speak to elected officials despite the added screening, she said.

“I don’t think it reduces access,” she said. “If people want to talk to elected officials or staff, there are lots of ways to do that.”

‘Sign of the times’

Lukes said it’s unfortunate the added security is necessary but believes it reflects broader tensions around politics and public institutions.

“It’s a sign of the times,” she said.

The tender documents say construction will be scheduled to minimize disruption to council meetings and other functions at city hall and could include evening or weekend work.

The project is expected to take several months to complete.