I'm reading about the Hydro building & how security guards apparently are not enough after an 18-year-old went crazy.
Now they need guards with pepper spray and handcuffs?
But they are able to lock the building down & patrons can access the restaurants from the outside? 🤔 /2
Feb 5, 2026 14:57People with mental health issues are everywhere. In the skywalk, in malls, walking down the street. WPS stand & stare at their phones in Superstore 🙄.
If Hydro can lock the building down, I honestly don't think dudes with pepper spray would make me feel safer.
It's all performative in my view.
I spent over 3 decades walking all around the downtown. Alone. Once I stumbled into a homeless encampment. It felt like I inadvertently walked into someone's house.
Do you have to keep your eyes open & be aware? Of course.
Have things gotten worse? In my later years I would say yes, however...
We are training people to be terrified to walk anywhere. I've been approached by pan handlers. I was always polite. I've been called a name once or twice, again I remained polite.
Yes, people can be unpredictable, but that's everywhere. Imo pepper spray & handcuffs in an office bldg is overreacting.
I’ll look at this from the employee’s perspective, if you don’t feel safe going into your workplace, I can understand that extra measures might make you feel safer.
Unfortunately, mh issues possibly combined with substances can, in many instances, cause violence, and sadly, it’s on the upswing.
I wonder if Hydro ee's just drive into the building? Or where do they walk from? They feel safe until they walk into the Hydro building?
I worked downtown for decades. The circle under P&M made me nervous because it was a blind corner. I just don't think escalating the guards' weopons is the answer.
