Blog
March 15, 2026
Client Sector: Municipal Transit Infrastructure
Service Provided: Engineering, Assurance and Security Risk Assessment
Location: Canada
Engagement Date: 2010’s
Executive Summary
During the delivery of a major urban transit system project, a Kirsch Group security professional identified a localized but significant security risk embedded within the proposed design of a pedestrian crossing. A below-grade tunnel was assessed as presenting elevated and foreseeable security concerns due to its configuration and surrounding environment. By initiating and leading a formal Threat Review Panel and CPTED assessment, the security professional helped guide stakeholders toward a surface-level pedestrian crossing solution that leveraged existing pedestrian infrastructure and crossings. The resulting approach prioritized visibility, user confidence, and risk mitigation through design, while supporting duty-of-care considerations and reducing exposure to foreseeable harm for both users and the project owner.
Background
The broader project involved the delivery of a large-scale transit system in a major Canadian city, including more than a dozen new stations, a maintenance and storage facility, and extensive guideway and track infrastructure. Given the scale and complexity of the program, early engagement of the security team was critical to producing a secure system design that supported the delivery of a fully integrated, high-capacity, and—most importantly—safe transit system.
As part of the corridor design, an underground pedestrian crossing of the rail alignment was incorporated to maintain local connectivity between surrounding land uses, including retail destinations, mixed-use pathways, transit services, and community amenities.
The Challenge
During design review activities, the Kirsch Group security specialist identified that the proposed pedestrian tunnel introduced several vulnerabilities commonly associated with elevated crime risk, including enclosure, isolation, reduced sightlines, and movement predictor conditions created by a constrained, bidirectional path.
Additionally, the tunnel was located in a high-activity urban environment with known public safety challenges, including elevated rates of crime such as assaults and robberies, thereby increasing pedestrian risk exposure and associated liability considerations for the owner.
The Approach
The approach to the challenge focused on proactive risk identification, formal threat assessment, and clear communication with project decision-makers.
A Threat Review Panel and CPTED review were initiated to assess threats and vulnerabilities associated with the tunnel design, as well as alternative design options.
Findings were clearly communicated to project leadership and risk owners, enabling informed discussion of foreseeable risk, user behavior, and liability exposure. Finally, actionable recommendations were developed to mitigate identified risks without impacting broader program objectives, scope, or delivery timelines.
Key Findings
The review process identified several key findings:
Disproportionate and Persistent Risk: The pedestrian tunnel featured several vulnerabilities that would increase risk exposure for users and risk owners. Even with additional security controls (such as enhanced lighting, mirrors, reflective surfaces, and increased tunnel width), reduced sightlines, lack of natural surveillance, movement predictor conditions, and the surrounding high-activity, higher-risk environment would mean that meaningful residual risk would remain should the tunnel be implemented.
Foreseeability Considerations: Established Canadian case law, including McAllister v. City of Calgary, has highlighted the foreseeability of harm in isolated pedestrian tunnel environments, reinforcing the importance of addressing risk at the design stage.
Feasible Alternative: The site context permitted a feasible and preferable alternative solution in the form of a surface-level pedestrian crossing
Recommendations
Based on the findings, a surface-level pedestrian crossing was recommended as the preferred solution from a security, usability, and risk-mitigation perspective.
Unlike a below-grade tunnel, a surface route allows pedestrian movement to be integrated with existing sidewalks and mixed-use pathways and to remain clearly visible from adjacent roadways and pedestrian corridors. This approach increases natural surveillance opportunities and sightlines, reduces the sense of isolation associated with enclosed infrastructure, and encourages legitimate use.
Impact
By identifying and addressing the issue early, the intervention supported:
- Reduced risk exposure for future users and for the occupier/owner
- Increased likelihood of legitimate, consistent pedestrian use, including during evening hours
- Improved alignment with occupiers’ duty-of-care principles
- Clear documentation of risk awareness and decision-making for the project owner
- A significantly reduced need for ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and enforcement
The issue was resolved without affecting the broader transit program schedule, scope, or budget, demonstrating effective risk management within a complex infrastructure environment.
Conclusion
This case study illustrates the value of embedded security expertise within large-scale infrastructure programs, and Kirsch Group’s approach to security consulting in high-trust, high-expectation environments. By remaining observant, clearly communicating risk, and applying professional judgment informed by CPTED principles and established precedent, a critical issue was identified and resolved swiftly and effectively.
The outcome reflects Kirsch Group’s ability to proactively identify, articulate, and mitigate foreseeable security risks—supporting safer environments, more confident users, and reduced risk exposure for owners and occupiers alike.