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FIRST READING: Abandoned to civic disorder, Canadians embrace the private security state

Tens of thousands of Canadian businesses now require security guards where none was ever needed before

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FIRST READING: Abandoned to civic disorder, Canadians embrace the private security state Back to video

Rosedale is one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Toronto, if not Canada. Data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation pegs Rosedale’s average household income at $363,600 per year — way more than the city’s average of $129,000.

It’s also one of the most Liberal. The neighbourhood is within the boundaries of University—Rosedale, a riding that went to Liberal candidate Chrystia Freeland by 64 per cent in 2025. What’s more, Toronto—St.Paul’s is completely surrounded by other federal Liberal ridings. Six constituencies surround it, all of which are also Liberal safe seats.

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But in recent years, Rosedale has experienced a phenomenon virtually unknown in living memory: Constant, brazen property crime. Cars stolen from driveways. Armed home invasions. Families woken up by the sound of breaking glass and shouting men. One resident told CTV they’d had four cars stolen and had their home invaded twice.

And Rosedale’s solution, thus far, has been a massive, unprecedented increase in private security.

Private security patrols are already a visible feature at night. A company called Rosedale Security is now advertising its services for private K9 patrols. “Our use of canine accompaniment for all daily foot patrols enhances crime prevention by creating an obvious and natural deterrent,” reads the company’s website.

And Rosedale resident Craig Campbell is now championing a system of virtual “gates” that would record the licence plates of every vehicle entering........

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