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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.