Centre square security guards serve and protect
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 08/00) - You've seen them. Blue-clad security officers monitoring the grey and pink checkered corridors of Centre Square mall. Talk to the nine security guards employed to safeguard the area and a striking similarity surfaces: they are part watch dogs, part ambassadors, part tour guides.
"I'm known as the big bald guy," smiles Peter Hotte, head of security, whose stern demeanour belies a playful sense of humour.
From loitering teens to souvenir-hungry visitors, Hotte and his staff are beacons of protection and direction.
"Sometimes the Japanese tourists come up waving their arms, like sign language, looking for places. It's a great job, lots of variety," he said during a quick coffee break.
Visitors are amazed at Yellowknife's modern amenities, he said.
"They think they're coming to a place with iglus."
Christmas shopping in the city's largest mall is no busier than summer months -- at least from a security perspective. The difference now, he said, is monitoring merchandise spilling into the mall corridor.
"For the most part, shoplifting is not a big deal," he said.
Fellow security officer Barry McCaughey agreed and added:
"Kids will try and jump up and hit the hanging decorations. We keep an eye on that."
And then there's the weather. The winter's bone biting temperatures make the mall a natural haven for people of no fixed address and bored youth.
"Sometimes you feel like a babysitter or a bouncer," Hotte said. "The biggest thing is keeping an area clear so people can keep moving. It's a constant battle."
After six years on the beat, Hotte is a reluctant local celebrity. People recognize him where ever he goes -- notoriety he shies away from.
Job highlights range from meeting Hockey legend Guy LaFleur to chatting with visiting Northern families: the latter who are clearly awed by the mall's sights and sounds.
Then there are the perks, like returning hotel guests happy to unload an Arctic char with Hotte.
Like tourists who "eeu" and "ahh" about the city, Hotte said friendly folk keep him here.
"That's the thing about Yellowknife, you meet people from all walks of life."
As much as he enjoys his job, Hotte loves summertime lakeside getaways, where his pager and cell phone are signaless. Long vacations south of the US border with his wife is another favourite pastime.
"I like Christmas and I like getting gifts but holidays south are our presents."
