Bomb-proofing for CAS

June 28, 2005 permalink

When clients are unhappy with your "services", do you reform the services or enhance security to protect yourself from their anger? Here is the answer.

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CAS moves to boost security: Large boulders block access to glass wall

The Windsor Star, Tuesday 28 June 2005, Craig Pearson

The Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society is boosting its look along with its security.

The society on Monday began building a large stone garden that will enhance the appearance of the north grounds and help prevent vehicles from approaching the glass wall facing the Detroit River.

"From a risk-management point of view, we wanted to add something to the front that would increase safety for everyone using the building," said CAS spokeswoman Lindsay Hulkonen. "It's a security issue."

Early on Oct. 26 last year, when the building was nearly empty, former CAS worker Jim Malone lit two 20-pound propane tanks and smashed his fiery truck into the building's north facade.

The collision and resulting fire caused almost $1 million in damages and many employees were forced to find other quarters. Malone died three days later from burns at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.

The local CAS is still not fully back to normal since the crash, because not all workers have returned to the first floor where most of the damage was caused.

But restoration of 78 planes of glass was completed last week, and when the landscaping is finished -- within two to three weeks -- Hulkonen said the child-welfare agency expects all employees will return.

The rock garden will cost $25,000 to $30,000 and will include local plants as well as rocks from a local quarry.

Hulkonen said the cost of the outdoor renovation has been covered by donations.

Note: Our indirect source omitted a picture. We will add it as soon as possible.