Closed-circuit cameras coming to Lindsay
Kawartha Lakes council has unanimously supported moving forward with a $40,000 investment for the installation of a closed-circuit camera system in Lindsay’s downtown.
“I think it’s going to prove to be very successful for our downtown and many other downtowns in the future,” said Deputy Mayor and Ward 7 Coun. Charlie McDonald during Tuesday’s council meeting.
The funding, combined with the $28,902 received by Kawartha Lakes Police Service last year from the province, will help the Lindsay Downtown Business Improvement Association (LDBIA) purchase and install 50 closed-circuit cameras across the heritage downtown area.
Council had actually committed to supporting the project in December, following a presentation by BIA president Wes Found.
A strong advocate for the project, Found — who owns the Kent Place Business and Professional Centre — knows first-hand how beneficial the equipment can be, as his own property has been equipped with CCTV cameras for years.
He said this equipment has helped police solve cases and protect his business against frivolous liability claims.
In order to secure the promised funding from the city, the BIA enlisted a consultant to firm up specifics and support.
Input from downtown merchants was also provided via a survey posted on the city’s Jump In online platform.
Results from the survey indicated roughly half of the 66 respondents stated customers have expressed concerns about their personal safety in area. Another 54 per cent of merchants themselves believe that conditions over the last two years in the downtown area have deteriorated significantly.
More than 90 per cent of the survey participants stated they would feel safer with cameras and were in favour of the system.
The survey also solicited input from residents. Close to 45 per cent expressed safety concerns, with more than 65 per cent noting they would feel safer being downtown should cameras be put in place.
“I think it’s a good, solid investment in the downtown,” said Kawartha Lakes CAO Ron Taylor, pointing out the idea was raised during the budget process as well.
The BIA will be responsible for housing and managing the technology.
The scope of the grant will provide full coverage of downtown Lindsay including Kent Street West from Victoria Avenue to Lindsay Street with north and south coverage from the intersections of Victoria Avenue and Kent Street, Cambridge and Kent streets, William and Kent streets, Peel and Kent streets and Lindsay and Kent streets.
The cameras, which will have peripheral views down all the side streets, will be night vision capable and run via a live feed. The units proposed can hold data for up to 60 days.
It is hoped the project will be completed in the spring.