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FROM THE GROUND UP
Joey Bourgoin builds a comprehensive security program at CIBC, starting with the bank’s new HQ
There are projects that sound routine when they’re just a concept, but grow into game-changing stuff when the plans become real and ideas are put into practice.
To hear Joey Bourgoin tell the tale, CIBC was ready to update its physical security systems with the new CIBC Square facility in downtown Toronto acting as a catalyst for change. While that is no small undertaking, Bourgoin led a team
that tackled so much more.
Bourgoin’s role in CIBC Square “started about seven years ago,” he says. “I was brought on in the very early days for a little project that ultimately led to our new global headquarters.”
CIBC Square is a three-million-square-feet structure comprising two office towers of 49 and 50 storeys and an elevated park that will be open to the public. The south tower opened in 2022 and began welcoming CIBC staff after the pandemic. The north tower is sched-
uled for completion in 2024. The building now serves as CIBC’s new headquarters, the bank being the majority tenant occupying approximately 70 per cent of the real estate.
The business case for CIBC Square included moving a disparate workforce across the Toronto region into a central location, says Bourgoin, senior director of enterprise physical security, CIBC. As a result, “we looked at our physical security programs (and) initiatives, and the overall mandate at CIBC and how we approach physical security,” he says.
From there, an opportunity was identified to “launch a new program that can evolve, leveraging modern technology, systems and solutions to
better protect our bank’s people, information and assets,” explains Bourgoin.
In recognition of his leadership and project management during the CIBC Square transition and implementation, Bourgoin was awarded Security Director of the Year 2023 by Canadian Security’s advisory board.
FROM SQUARE ONE TO CIBC SQUARE
Bourgoin, a graduate of Sheridan College’s police foundations program, gained experience in security and loss prevention working for several retailers, including a role in Starbucks’ safety and security team. He joined CIBC’s security department in 2014, working in different disciplines until
“We looked at the core basics of security … and we looked at the opportunity to modernize.”
he was tapped for a pivotal role in the security of CIBC Square five years before its scheduled opening date.
A new building was the ideal platform to rethink security infrastructure and consider a more holistic approach.
“We looked at the core basics of security — typically, intrusion, alarms, access control and video — and we looked at the opportunity to modernize,” says Bourgoin.
From a technology perspective, CIBC looked to unify security systems as well as offer centralized management.
“Our primary goal was something that can scale to our needs and can scale across the entire enterprise,” says Bourgoin.
CIBC Square’s south tower opened in 2022. The north tower is scheduled to open in 2024.
The advantage of a facility like CIBC Square, still in the construction phase, is that security systems can be planned out well ahead of time. Major projects like this also encourage and reward collaboration between different departments. Bourgoin says that from the outset, corporate security had a strong voice in the conversation.
“We, within the corporate security team, had built a great relationship and rapport with our executives in real estate and technology over the years. As this project came up, it was identified very early on with our key stakeholders that they wanted to have corporate security at the table to work on this program and initiative before the first shovel even went into the ground,” says Bourgoin.
“We were at the table and we were one of the first groups engaged when we started looking at our CIBC Square strategy and vision.”
Security is, of course, more than security these days — it can also be a key business enabler. “We looked at everything we could do to make our business partners’ day-to-day lives easier while mitigating risk and leveraging the technology needed to add value across the enterprise,” says Bourgoin.
“Joey’s visionary leadership, forward-thinking, and innovative approach have been pivotal in both design and execution, integrating security into every part of CIBC Square,” says Michael Brzozowski, a security team member at CIBC. “Joey’s ability to foster collaborative relationships across the many teams at CIBC has been vital in aligning the security strategy with business objectives.”
NEW SECURITY CULTURE
CIBC Square officially opened two years later than originally planned due to pandemic-related delays. “We had an evolving and fluid construction
schedule. It required us to constantly pivot and reassess,” says Bourgoin.
Well-worn concepts of office life were also challenged thanks to COVID protocols and the work from home movement. CIBC’s security program adjusted to meet this new reality.
Bourgoin and his team took the opportunity to change the way security is viewed throughout the organization.
member for more than 15 years, has participated in the association through its Toronto chapter and also as assistant regional vice-president for the ASIS Canada Young Professionals group. Bourgoin holds the ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation and recommends certification to his colleagues as both a knowledge builder and career enabler.
“We were at the table and we were one of the first groups engaged.”
Traditionally seen as a clandestine occupation and the sole responsibility of a dedicated department, Bourgoin wanted to shake up those conventions and make security something that all CIBC employees could participate in.
“We wanted to shift from a mindset of, ‘If you see an issue, call security’ to a mindset where security is the accountability of all employees at CIBC,” says Bourgoin. “To observe, report and challenge... to really increase that security culture throughout our campus and our organization.”
That approach has received endorsements from multiple departments within the CIBC organization, including the C-suite. New training, orientation protocols and awareness campaigns have been implemented across the enterprise, encouraging all staff to take some ownership of security.
A proponent of constant education, Bourgoin has also encouraged his own staff to develop and hone their skills.
Bourgoin, an ASIS International
Thus far, most of his team members have achieved the CPP, one has earned ASIS’s Associate Protection Professional (APP), and others are working towards a Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification.
“Ultimately, for me, ASIS, the membership, the networking opportunities… It’s really made me the security professional I am today,” he says.
In addition to his volunteer work with ASIS, Bourgoin served on the Professional Advisory Council for the Public & Private Investigations Diploma Program at his alma mater Sheridan College from 2015 until 2021.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE SQUARE
With a solid security plan in place for CIBC Square, Bourgoin’s attention has turned to how it can be implemented across CIBC’s global footprint. “ This will be a full transformation of our systems end to end,” he says. CS
DoorBird systems are not only renowned for their cutting-edge features but also for their sustainability and reliability, especially during harsh winter conditions. With a modular design approach, DoorBird ensures adaptability to various environments while prioritizing energy efficiency and durability.
MODULAR DESIGN FOR CUSTOMIZATION & ADAPTABILITY
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4. Tenant-Focused App Experience: Delivers a user-friendly interface for tenants to communicate with visitors, receive push notifications, and remotely control access via iOS or Android devices. KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS
1. Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Ready: DoorBird devices are designed to be PoE ready, minimizing energy consumption and simplifying installation by utilizing power and data transmission over a single Ethernet cable.
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EASY PLANNING AND INSTALLATION
DoorBird IP Door Stations are designed for straightforward installation in both new construction and retrofit projects. Utilizing a Local Area Network (LAN), these devices require minimal additional network hardware and can be easily addressed individually. This simplicity streamlines the planning and implementation process, saving time, resources for installers and managers.
DURABILITY IN WINTER
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DoorBird systems offer a comprehensive solution for modern, secure, and sustainable entry management. With their modular design, advanced features, and emphasis on energy efficiency and durability, DoorBird ensures reliable performance even in challenging winter conditions while providing customizable solutions tailored to specific project requirements.
An evolved role for commercial security professionals in Canada
Over the last few years, there has been a notable surge in criminal activities occurring at street-level, leading to growing concerns among residents, law enforcement agencies in Canada. Key factors that contribute to this increase include the sale and use of illicit drugs, homelessness and social vulnerability, economic challenges, and limited law enforcement and first responder resources.
The implications of this surge in street-level crime in the country has led to residents, visitors and business owners having significant safety concerns. There has been a rise in reported incidents of violence, theft, and harassment, leading to heightened fear among residents and visitors which has left people feeling unsafe in public spaces, affecting their quality
of life and overall well-being. Other implications include strained social services and a negative economic impact on certain geographic areas where these social problems and issues are most pronounced.
Solutions to these challenges include the deployment of enhanced law enforcement and security services in impacted areas, including the development of integrated and enhanced units specifically designed to provide enhanced support to socially vulnerable persons experiencing homeless, mental health and a host of other challenges. Further development of collaborative partnerships between law enforcement, security agencies, community organizations and local businesses to develop proactive strategies that focus on prevention, intervention and rehabilitation would greatly benefit the community.
Strengthening support services should also be made a priority including further investment in mental health and addiction treatment services as well as affordable housing. Public awareness campaigns to educate residents about crime prevention and reporting procedures would also help to reduce risk and make our communities safer.
Deployment of well-trained personnel and technology from professional security companies is an important component of an appropriate response. Set up correctly, these companies can provide programs that would reduce risk and decrease the strain on law enforcement and social services, allowing them the opportunity to focus on the provision of core services.
The rise in street-level crime in various communities poses significant challenges for the cities and their residents. Addressing the root causes, increasing law enforcement including private security resources (both personnel and technology), and strengthening social support systems are crucial steps toward mitigating this issue. By implementing a comprehensive and integrated approach, municipalities and businesses can work towards creating safer communities, improving the quality of life for their residents, and restoring public trust in safety, security and well-being.
GardaWorld is a global champion in security services, integrated risk management and cash solutions. Learn more at www.garda.com.
Ensuring a safe and secure commercial property
GardaWorld’s security solutions enable commercial properties to address the challenges associated with the notable surge in criminal activities occuring at street-level, leading to growing concerns among residents in Canada.
Working together, we can all contribute to a safe commercial environment.
Better Manage Your Business Expectations in 2024
Current job statistics show the tight labour market is still an obstacle, especially for Canadian employers. The current unemployment rate in Canada is 5.7%, after the Canadian economy added 37,300 jobs in January 2024, according to a Statistics Canada report.
In December 2023, the unemployment rate was 5.8%, which means this is the first decline since December 2022. However, the participation rate fell to 65.3% in January 2024, even though the number of people in the labour force held steady and the population aged 15 and older rose, reads the report.
Because of the larger than expected gain in employment last month, researchers anticipate that the Bank of Canada will avoid cutting interest rates in the near future, even though high interest rates contributed to the increase in the unemployment rate from 5.1% to 5.8% in April to December of last year.
Opportunities for employers
Despite the challenges in the job market that are currently impacting employers throughout Canada and across the globe, it is possible to offset some obstacles. For example, becoming an employer of choice can help a company increase its talent pool, despite the high employment and low labour participation rates.
Companies that create a positive work environment, and invest in branding efforts to showcase that their business has a proven track record for caring about their employees, are more likely to stand out from the competition and attract quality job applicants.
Additionally, reducing time-to-hire helps ensure that a steady stream of new workers are always available, which can be especially important to security contractors during this job market.
Modern tech for security contractors
In order to best stay ahead of competitors in this challenging labour market, security professionals can benefit from technological enhancements, especially those designed to support high-turnover industries.
By streamlining processes and automating tasks, application tracking software can help expedite job applications and reduce time-to-hire. ATS systems can reduce time spent on application screening, minimize mistakes made during the recruitment process and simplify communication processes between managers and applicants.
Other technological enhancements designed to support contractors who manage distributed workers while appealing to the needs of clients include:
• Scheduling features that help with overseeing workers, reducing overtime, increasing efficiency and boosting customer retention
• Time and attendance tools to provide information on when employees arrive on site, in addition to maintaining contract compliance
• Pre-configured absence rules and accrual systems, which ensure payroll precision by accurately recording and calculating hours worked and paid versus unpaid absences
• Remote assistance support for direct assistance, on-the-spot solutions and the avoidance of technical issues
Keep researching
As the leading provider of business solutions designed to help companies scale and grow, at TEAM Software by WorkWave, we know that understanding the current temperature of the job market can help employers like yourself better plan for their next move and properly manage business expectations for 2024.
To aid in this task, our team of industry experts compiled an in-depth analysis of 2023 global trends for security companies, along with a forecast for what to expect in 2024.
In our detailed eGuide, we highlight opportunities for becoming an employer of choice, reducing timeto-hire, combating high-turnover rates and outlining how to use labour market data to strategize during a tough economic climate.
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