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Metal detectors, bag checks and a half-wall in council chambers are only the first set of security upgrades planned for City Hall, city officials said Tuesday.

A safety audit done in August 2016 made 80 recommendations, including 17 that are still being studied and will be presented to city council before this summer, said branch manager Walter Trocenko.

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“A handful” of the suggestions will have a significant impact and should be discussed by council, he said. “This is the gathering place for the people of the city. We want to make sure it’s open and available for people to visit.”

Executive committee referred the security debate to council next week after hearing from two members of the public in opposition.

“Say no. Say no loudly, and say it in public,” said Troy Pavlek, a candidate for council in Ward 11, saying the city survey asked leading questions and tried to “play on your fears.”

Council split

City council members appeared split, with Mayor Don Iveson saying he wished administration had simply made the decision on its own rather than letting it get political.