First phase of CCTV camera program to be implemented in November: WRPS
Posted Sep 18, 2025 07:07:56 AM.
Last Updated Sep 18, 2025 10:39:21 AM.
If speed cameras weren’t enough for drivers, Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras are now expected to make an appearance in the region as soon as November.
Regional police gave an update on Wednesday during the service board meeting, noting that 52 CCTV cameras will be installed in 10 different sites across the region. They would also include Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR).
The locations of the cameras are based on three years of data that looked at crime and calls for service data, and areas that are seeing higher rates of crime and victimization.
WRPS Deputy Chief Jen Davis affirmed during Wednesday’s meeting that there is nothing about this program that is intended to be secretive.
“We want the community to know that this is just an investigative tool to help us investigate crime and ensure public safety,” said Davis. She added that they are not speed enforcement cameras, live monitored by officers or used by all members of the service.
For transparency, police will be posting the locations of cameras on their website and will include a sign at each site with a QR code. The report noted that cameras can be moved around to different areas across the region.
Three types of cameras are expected to be used: pan, tilt, zoom cameras (PTZ), Bullet cameras and Multi-sensor cameras. The PTZ cameras will be used in areas with more pedestrians. Bullet cameras will use ALPR at entry and exit points in the region, like near Highway 7 or the 401. Multi-sensor cameras will also use ALPR and be used at intersections.
All cameras for the first phase are expected to be put in areas that have low-voltage power by other infrastructure.
Davis said they waited four years to start their program so they could see how it has worked in other areas, such as Toronto, London and Guelph.
“It has allowed us to really follow the guidance of the information from the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario to ensure we are being fully transparent and have considered all privacy concerns,” said Davis.
In April, the service secured $100,000 in funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General for their CCTV program. That amount has been matched by the WRPS service budget for a total of $200,000.
A virtual information session is expected to be held in November to give the public a chance to ask questions about the new program.
