Guardian Angels Start Patrols At Yonge-Dundas Square

Volunteers with the group’s Toronto chapter completed their three-month training session earlier this week and the organization says it doesn’t want to replace police, but will serve as extra sets of eyes and ears in Toronto’s troubled communities.  

“I am more excited than nervous,” new recruit Holly Weisflock said before her first patrol. “I want to make a difference in our community, the city, the neighbourhoods the step out and be like a Good Samaritan, and help keep the neighbourhood safe.”

Twenty-four members of the group, known for its distinctive uniform of red berets and jackets, started their unarmed patrol around 6:30pm at Yonge and Dundas Square and planned to end up at Regent Park, but some local business owners aren’t welcoming the “Angels” in their neighbourhood.  

“I think that seeing them indicates to many tourists, especially American tourists, that there must be a problem in this neighbourhood if they require a pseudo-police force or some call it a vigilante force, out there,” restaurateur Arron Barberian said.  

“There may be an issue here that makes the area unsafe and that’s one of my concerns.”  

James Robinson, executive director of the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Association, said his organization doesn’t need any help making sure the area is safe.  

“As a business association, we are taking our own approach for making the public feel welcome. Our approach is with your our Downtown Yonge Discovery Team. Mobile ambassadors helping the public feel welcome in the area and feel safe,” he explained. “We believe this positive approach of focusing on the great business, shopping and entertainment the area office is better than focusing on the negatives as the guardians are doing.”  

Mayor David Miller has also made it clear that he doesn’t want the group in the city and said the responsibility of keeping the streets safe should be left to the police.  

“The policing should be done by the police. It is simple. They are accountable … in all aspects of public safety including first-aid. And if a police officer makes a mistake there are ways to hold that officer accountable,” he said.  

“Also in Toronto we have an incredible tradition of community policing, something we’re proud of. Our police service understands how to work with people.”

For a look at the history of the Guardian Angels, click here.

And for a look at the group’s history in Toronto, click here.