York Regional Police is launching the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Community Camera program to support crime prevention, improve investigative capabilities and enhance community safety, helping to ensure our community remains among the safest in Canada.
The program will go live in April 2024.
Using a data-driven approach, York Regional Police identified 10 locations across the region, which were chosen to enhance public safety and assist in police investigations. Residents can expect to see signs notifying them they are entering an area that may be monitored by CCTV community cameras.
The following is a list of locations where CCTV community cameras will be installed:
- Jane Street / Highway 7, Vaughan
- Jane Street / Norwood Avenue, Vaughan
- Jane Street / Avro Road, Vaughan
- Yonge Street / Crosby Avenue, Richmond Hill
- Yonge Street / Carville Road, Richmond Hill
- Warden Avenue / Highway 7, Markham
- Woodbine Avenue / Highway 7, Markham
- Warden Avenue / Steeles Avenue, Markham
- Yonge Street / Davis Drive, Newmarket
- Yonge Street / Wellington Street, Aurora
When the CCTV cameras are installed and configured, York Regional Police will use what is called ‘passive monitoring’ of the cameras. This means that YRP members will not be watching the cameras in real time but rather, the video will be captured and recorded.
The CCTV cameras will not result in a reduced police presence; they will be used as an additional investigative tool. Residents are reminded to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Police will use the footage to investigate and solve crimes if criminal activity is reported in the area. The cameras will only monitor areas to which the public already has access and camera views are restricted from recording private dwelling spaces. Footage will only be retained for 72 hours unless it is needed for an investigative purpose.
CCTV monitoring will be conducted in a professional, ethical and legal manner in accordance the Ontario Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Human Rights Code and in compliance with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario guidelines.
Community consultations are actively taking place. During the next 30 days YRP officers will be engaging with the local community who reside and operate businesses within the vicinity of the selected intersections and will be available to answer any questions.
Funding of this project includes a grant from the Province of Ontario.
For more information visit www.yrp.ca/cctv. Comments and input are welcomed. Please contact [email protected].
