Community organization wants to install cameras to enhance downtown safety
A community organization is proposing a network of cameras in an effort to bolster safety throughout the area.
The Downtown Community Safety Partnership wants to launch the pilot project.
"It's not the be all, end all. It's not the silver bullet, as the saying goes. But I think it's one piece of the puzzle that hopefully increases safety for everybody," said Greg Burnett, the executive director of the safety partnership.
The project would feature 10 to 20 cameras throughout the downtown core, with Burnett saying the hope is the camera system would deter crime.
However, he does understand constant surveillance could have some folks concerned about their privacy.
"For us, it's going to be important to be transparent, accountable back to the community, what they are being used for and seeing. Again it is a security approach as well, that wellness, health. We know with COVID what we have come through, what we have seen and WE really hope we can have an affect on that and help in a positive way."
Burnett said the conversation around using cameras was being talked about before the pandemic started.
He said the pandemic delayed the project and he noted the organization has had a lot of community support to get this going.
"I think we are ahead of the game and again hopefully we will get something moving soon."
Burnett said his organization wants to get people back downtown and he thinks this project could contribute to that.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
'A great victory for the industry': Taxi drivers celebrate ruling that found City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sues for defamation over National Enquirer, InTouch Weekly stories
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sued the parent company of the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly on Monday for a story that she said falsely claimed that she was trying to help the Menendez brothers get a retrial after they were convicted of murdering their parents.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.’s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease’s progression.
Truck driver accused of intentionally killing Utah officer had been holding a woman against her will
A truck driver accused of intentionally killing a police officer during a traffic stop on a Utah highway had been holding a woman against her will inside the cab of his truck, new court documents reveal.