Ontario to add more CCTV surveillance in select neighbourhoods

Aug 10 2020, 7:44 pm

The Ontario government is expanding CCTV surveillance in neighbourhoods that are seeing an increase in crime.

On Monday, Premier Doug Ford announced that there will be a $6 million investment over three years to be made available through the Ontario CCTV Grant — a new program “to further support police services in their efforts to enhance public safety and hold offenders accountable” as part of Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy.

“In light of recent episodes of violence, it’s absolutely critical that we give our police the tools and resources they need to keep people safe and ensure businesses and communities can recover from the impacts of COVID-19 without fear of crime,” said Ford.

“This investment will help keep our streets safe, bring violent criminals to justice, and ensure people can rebuild their lives in peace.”

Starting August 10, all municipal and First Nations police services, as well as the Ontario Provincial Police, will be able to apply for funding for the first year of the CCTV Grant cycle (2020-21).

“Surveillance systems are an important part of our partnership with police services to combat gun and gang violence. We are confident this investment will help municipalities expand their CCTV capacity and ramp up the local fight against crime,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.

“Criminals are always finding new ways of covering their tracks, but our government is determined to ensure municipalities and police services have the tools and resources they need to detect criminal activity and keep Ontarians safe.”

According to the province, the grant builds on Ontario’s approximate $106 million investment to combat gun and gang violence, with the support of the federal government.

Clarrie FeinsteinClarrie Feinstein

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