Police-operated CCTV cameras yet to be installed in Waterloo

Police-operated CCTV cameras have not been installed in Waterloo after the two parties reached an agreement about four months ago.

Regional police planned to install cameras at key locations across Waterloo in late 2025 or early 2026, with no indication yet of precisely where they will be installed.

“Cameras have not been installed in the City of Waterloo at this time, as the infrastructure involved is shared, and Waterloo Regional Police is working through agreements with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach,” said Inspector Jarrett Brown of the police service’s Innovation and Modernization division.

The cameras, if installed, would not be used as a live feed; they would be accessed retroactively as a tool for investigations, and any unused footage would be deleted after 30 days if it isn’t part of an active investigation. They will also be equipped with automated license plate reading technology.

One year ago, the service secured $100,000 in funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General for the CCTV program. The WRPS service budget has matched that amount for a total of $200,000.

The police service is looking to secure agreements with the rest of Waterloo Region’s cities and townships.

“Waterloo Regional Police currently has an agreement in place with the City of Waterloo and is actively working with the remaining municipalities and townships on similar agreements,” added Brown.

In February, Wilmot council decided to hold off on making a decision on whether or not to sign onto the CCTV camera program indefinitely, noting that a future council can decide to reconsider implementation after this fall’s municipal election.

“I think there are risks, protocols that we’re unaware of, what the potential breaches or breach response could look like, and ultimately, we have no control over the oversight,” said Wilmot Councillor Kris Wilkinson at that time.

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