Chief Crowell says consent of CCTV program is vital as Wilmot eyes options
Posted Feb 3, 2026 07:26:45 AM.
Last Updated Feb 3, 2026 03:19:47 PM.
Regional police are set to add closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to their toolkit, hoping to collaborate with area municipalities, including Wilmot Township, in the installation.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service received grant funding from the provincial government in 2025, matching a contribution of $100,000, to install 52 CCTV cameras around the region in the first phase of the new system.
The cameras are set to be installed in public spaces where police believe the implementation could help mitigate crime. Those cameras wouldn’t be a live feed for police to view, but rather in place so that if a crime occurs in that area, they can retroactively access footage for the purpose of investigation.
WRPS Chief, Mark Crowell was a guest on The Mike Farwell Show and was asked about the program. He said they have no intention of forcing this program on anyone.
“We want to ensure this is done with the consent of our community. Certainly, with the consent of our municipal partners and following the highest level of privacy legislation.”
Consent from the community is a major component of the rollout. He said the more the community knows about the program, the more effective it can be.
More in politics
“The evidence shows, across other jurisdictions, when you start to mobilize the community to say we’re trying to have a crime-free region, a crime-free zone. And, using data to inform where these locations have citizen-generated calls for service, we hope to address the issues that exist today, but also find new ways to combat crime and disorder.”
Crowell was asked specifically about the ALPR technology and if someone just drives past the cameras, will police know about it?
“We keep a hot list of stolen vehicles or wanted vehicles, so those searches are happening all the time. When you go through a specific location, if there is a reason your vehicle or a vehicle is flagged because it’s stolen or wanted for some reason than that could trigger a response from us.”
Crowell reiterated that protecting the public’s privacy will be paramount.
Any footage captured that isn’t used for the purpose of a police investigation will be deleted after 30 days. According to police, the service plans to publish the locations of cameras on its website prior to activation.
Wilmot looking to add cameras
On Monday, a Committee of the Whole at the Township of Wilmot discussed the possibility of bringing police-operated CCTV cameras to township-owned utility poles.
“The goal is to balance further public safety with an individual’s right to privacy,” reads the report from township staff.
In December, the City of Waterloo council became the first in the region to approve the installation of police-operated CCTV cameras.
Support amongst committee members at the Township of Wilmot was fairly strong.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Councillor Steven Martin. “I think our township should cooperate with the Waterloo regional police force.”
In contrast, Councillor Kris Wilkinson was wary of Wilmot being an early adopter of this program.
“In terms of keeping in mind privacy and people’s rights to it, I don’t know how I feel about endorsing this,” said Wilkinson. “I’m more of the opinion that I will take a wait-and-see approach.”
In the end, Wilmot Council passed the motion. Now staff will begin drafting a bylaw that would approve the installation of CCTV cameras.
