Ambassad'oh

The City of Vancouver is making moves to cut off funding to a controversial private security program.

That means plans to expand 'Ambassadors' security patrols with public money in business areas outside the downtown are on the chopping block.

And a deal to help fund patrols in the downtown core could be severed by next year.

"I don't believe it's the best way to be spending public money," said Coun. Raymond Louie.

His Vision Vancouver party opposed the arrangement when it was approved by the then- majority NPA council last year. The deal had set aside $500,000 in city funds for BIAs to expand existing security patrols modelled after the Downtown Vancouver BIA's Ambassadors program, which contracts security guards from private firm Genesis.

The DVBIA had already received $237,000 in city money to expand its program for one year, but that will be axed when the current deal expires next year after the Olympics, Louie said.

"The intention is it will not be renewed," he said.

The Yaletown BIA had been one of the other groups in line to get some of the earmarked funds.

Executive director Annette O'Shea said she respects council's decision, but insists there is still a need for the program - or something similar.

"If they go ahead and cancel it, what are they going to propose instead?" O'Shea said.

Business groups say the Ambassadors, recognized by their deep red uniforms, provide a valuable service in helping tourists and watching out for crime.

But Downtown Eastside advocacy groups lambasted the program, saying it targeted the homeless and the poor. Pivot Legal Society researcher Darcie Bennett says the Ambassadors have little public oversight.

"It's a private program run by businesses," she said.