‘Heightened security is definitely on our mind’
Manitoba Hydro has closed public access to its landmark downtown Winnipeg headquarters after an employee was assaulted with a knife in the building’s atrium, prompting a broad review of workplace security measures.
Police were called to Manitoba Hydro Place, at 360 Portage Avenue, around 5:30 p.m. Friday after reports that a man armed with a knife had attacked an employee in the atrium linking the Portage and Graham entrances.
According to police, the victim was knocked to the ground and suffered cuts, but managed to disarm the assailant before officers arrived. An 18‑year‑old man was arrested inside the building and faces charges of possession of a weapon and assault with a weapon.
Scott Powell, Manitoba Hydro’s communications director, described the incident as “a pretty traumatic event” and said the outcome could have been worse. Supports are being offered to the victim and to any employees affected by what happened. “Really, it was quite shocking,” he said.
In a statement, CUPE 998 reminded workers that support is available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
“If you would like assistance or an opportunity to speak with someone about how you are feeling, please consider accessing this resource.
“Your safety is important. Please remain aware of your surroundings at all times and report any suspicious activity to Security immediately.”
Atrium sealed, access restricted for staff and visitors
In the immediate aftermath of the assault, Hydro sealed off the atrium to the public and tightened access controls for the approximately 2,000 people who work in the 22‑storey headquarters. “It’s only for employees at this point in time,” Powell said of the atrium, adding that he “really can’t speculate on where we’re going with this in the future.”
CUPE Local 998 president Michelle Bergen, whose local represents technical and clerical staff at Manitoba Hydro Place, said the headquarters is now effectively in lockdown. “Right now, 360 Portage is under lockdown. You cannot get into the atrium. If you’re an employee, you have to fob in and out of the doors,” she said.
Employees expecting visitors must go down to meet them at the entrance, escort them to security and then accompany them up to their floor. “So that’s a good security measure for now, but I’m not sure if that’s going to be in place forever,” she added.
Existing security questioned, unions push for enhancements
Bergen stressed that the building already had visible security in place before the incident. “Right now we have a lot of security in that building — at the doors, the top of the stairs going into the skywalk, and we do have a security guard posted at the new restaurant on the main floor as well,” she said, according to the CBC report. Even so, she said, staff do not feel adequately protected.
She plans to meet with her local’s executive to identify additional measures they want Manitoba Hydro to consider. “I’m meeting with my executive today, and we’ll discuss what we want to go and take forward to the corporation,” she said. She also intends to consult other unions representing workers in the building to gather their views before sitting down with management. “Heightened security is definitely on our mind for sure. How those look, we’re not sure right now,” she said.
Manitoba Hydro reviews safety measures, looks beyond its walls
Powell said Hydro is examining “a number of different measures to enhance safety” but declined to go into specifics, citing security reasons. “Our main concern is that our employees can come to their workplace and feel safe doing so. We’re looking at a number of changes to ensure that occurs,” he said, according to CBC.
The utility is also looking beyond its own walls. Powell said Manitoba Hydro is “continuing to work with the Winnipeg Police Service, Downtown Community Safety Partnership [and] Downtown Winnipeg BIZ on strategies to enhance safety in the area as a whole.”
