An undertaking dating back more that a year is now fully operational and proving its worth. In May of 2020, city council endorsed Phase 1 of a project by St. Thomas Police to install eight CCTV cameras along a two-kilometre stretch of Talbot Street.
The entire system was brought on stream last month, according to St. Thomas Police Insp. Steve Bogart, in an effort to to enhance community well-being and assist police in solving crime.
Bogart adds the system is going to make a difference when it comes to the safety and security of visitors, people who are patrons downtown and business owners in the core area.
The CCTV camera system is a three-way partnership with the city and the Downtown Development Board. Bogart stresses “the commitment is huge” to make public safety paramount, particularly along the Talbot Street corridor where the cameras are now in operation.
In total, $70,000 in funding was made available to purchase equipment and implement the first phase. The DDB contributed $10,000 while a local business donated $50,000. The remaining $10,000 was provided by the city.
This was beefed up by $90,000 in provincial government funding.
The surveillance system is just one component in an effort to establish a safe, secure and vibrant downtown. One that will provide a canvas for economic development, according to a Police Services Board report presented to city council last year. However, Bogart stresses that does not necessarily imply the downtown is crime-ridden.
The CCTV cameras between CASO Crossing and St. George Street were located based on 2018/19 crime-mapping data and motor vehicle collision reporting information.
