Standard Parking has launched SP Plus Security of Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Parking Corp. of Canada. It has obtained its business licence to operate as a security provider in Ontario and British Columbia and will develop services such as traditional security guard services, bicycle, foot and vehicle patrols as well as parking enforcement services.

About three quarters of Standard Parking’s current business is in Ontario. About half of their business is in the hospital market, which will be a major focus area for SP Plus in addition to airports, educational institutions, construction sites, commercial buildings, shopping centres, distribution centres and parking lots/garages.

Working with Taylor is John Fodor of JSF & Associates Security Consultants. Fodor is the former director of security and parking for the William Osler Health Centre (Brampton Civic) and before that was manager of security and parking at Trillium Health Care in Mississauga and was a manager of security operations at University Health Network.

SP Plus will be targeting hospital and commercial property management firms and is already providing security services to Brookfield Properties at the Royal Centre Mall parkade in Vancouver, supplying one guard.

“We’ve worked with Brookfield as a parking service provider for nine years. They are looking at finding the best staffing and customized services to achieve cost savings,” says Taylor. “We want this to be one-stop shopping for customers.”

The Royal Centre’s facility manager, Dave Abbott, has been working with the Vancouver Police Department, Crime Stoppers and the DVBIA (Downtown Ambassadors) since SP Plus Security took over the security operation of the parking garage.

He met with a constable from VPD who is in charge of the Safer Parking Program in Vancouver. VPD have assessed the parking facility to ensure it is up to VPD standards to minimize theft from autos. An award from VPD is provided indicating that the standards are met or exceed VPD expectations. With this award comes signage advising all patrons that the facility is part of this program. Statistics show a significant reduction in vehicle break-ins, etc. with this designation.