An electrical box mounted on the wall at 381 Bagot St. in Kingston, Ontario, remains empty as residents await the installation of a new security system that has been delayed for over six months. The Kingston Frontenac Housing Corporation (KFHC) had announced that high-tech locks would be installed in January, but residents are still using their old keys. The building has become notorious for high police call volumes, reporting the most incidents of any residential address in Kingston. KFHC CEO Mary Lynn Cousins Brame cited delays in the lock system’s supply chain as a reason for the postponement. A recent notice to tenants indicates that installation is now expected to begin in early August and take approximately three months to complete. This ongoing security issue has led to residents like Tracey Nicholson departing the building after experiencing a break-in.
Why It Matters
The delays in implementing security measures at 381 Bagot St. highlight ongoing challenges in social housing safety and management. Kingston Police statistics show that the building received 151 calls for service in the first half of the year, illustrating significant safety concerns for residents. The KFHC has acknowledged that high-security systems will not be installed at all its properties, raising questions about the safety of vulnerable populations in social housing. With seven out of the ten addresses with the highest police calls being KFHC properties, the need for effective security solutions is critical for the well-being of residents in these communities.
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