Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) for Heritage Institutions

As a heritage professional, you may wonder how to keep visitors, staff and collections safe while maintaining a welcoming and accessible environment. You may also face challenges, such as unclear sightlines, poorly lit areas, illegitimate use of grounds, or difficult-to-monitor spaces, or concerns about protecting collection areas without making the institution feel overly restrictive. This workshop introduces practical ways of looking at these challenges through the lens of design, use of space and everyday operations. Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) is an approach that uses the built environment, site layout and management practices to influence behaviour, reduce opportunities for crime or harm, and support safer, more positive public spaces.

Instructor

Tom McKay served 32 years with Peel Regional Police, specializing in CPTED and teaching CPTED programs across North America and internationally. He holds extensive academic and professional credentials in law enforcement, emergency care and crime prevention, and has held leadership roles in major CPTED and crime prevention organizations. As a recognized subject matter expert and sought-after instructor, he continues to develop and deliver advanced CPTED training and consulting services worldwide.

Who should apply?

This workshop may be for you if:

• you work in any kind of heritage institution (museum, library, archive, gallery, cultural or community centre) that is accessible to the public
• you are responsible for the security and protection of collection spaces, or you are responsible for the maintenance and security of cultural heritage facilities
• you want to learn more about simple, cost-effective ways to deter crime at your site

Special requirement

For this workshop, participants must bring a laptop.

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• explain the purpose and benefits of CPTED in a heritage institution context, including how design and environment influence visitor behaviour, safety and the protection of assets, such as collections
• identify key CPTED principles and strategies and apply them to their institution’s operations and public-facing spaces
• apply CPTED tools and processes (space assessments, analyses and audits) to their institution’s operations and public-facing spaces
• provide informed, context-appropriate CPTED guidance on managing lighting, video surveillance and incivilities in ways that are socially responsible, while supporting a positive visitor experience
• produce clear, option-based CPTED reports that support heritage institutions in their decision-making, long-term planning and communication with interested parties

What to expect

Through applied theory, case studies and guided discussion, this three-day workshop will provide practical training on how CPTED can be effectively applied in museums and other heritage institutions. The second day will take place on site at the Ottawa Art Gallery, offering opportunities for observation and discussion in a real-world setting.

How to apply

Please submit the completed application form by September 10, 2026.

Selection criteria

If the number of applicants exceeds the maximum number of participants allowed, selection will be made based on the following criteria:

• The likelihood that the participant can use the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop in their community or workplace.
• The participant’s ability to share and transfer the knowledge gained during the course with colleagues or a wider audience.
• Those applying in teams of two will be given preference (for example, a collection manager, curator or director with a facility manager or a security and visitor services manager).
• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and residents. If the maximum number of participants is met, a waiting list will be established. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous and other equity-deserving groups.

Payment

Once you have received confirmation of registration, you will be contacted by phone to process the payment. The payment will be processed in Canadian funds by credit card (MasterCard or VISA).

Canadian federal government employees must provide IS Reference Codes or a commitment number, department code and cost centre.

Refunds

Requests to withdraw must be submitted in writing to the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI). Refunds will be issued under the following conditions:

• A full refund less a CAN$10 administrative fee for requests received more than 7 business days prior to the start of the workshop
• A 50% refund for requests received fewer than 7 business days prior to the start of the workshop

CCI may make exceptions to this refund policy in the event of insurmountable difficulties in attending the workshop.

Cancellation

CCI reserves the right to cancel this workshop if the minimum enrolment requirement is not met 30 days prior to the event. In this case, CCI will refund the full registration fee but will not be responsible for any transportation, housing, loss of income or other costs that may have been incurred by the participants.

Additional information

Please contact CCI if you have any questions, comments or accommodation needs.