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
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for "all parties" to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
Taylor Swift drops 15 new songs on double album, 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology'
On Friday, the pop star released her 11th album and at 2 a.m. Eastern, she released "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," featuring 15 additional songs.
Israel gave U.S. last-minute warning about drone attack on Iran, Italian foreign minister says at G7
The United States told the Group of Seven foreign ministers on Friday that it received 'last minute' information from Israel about a drone action in Iran, but didn't participate in the apparent attack, officials said.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.