BARRIE EXAMINER - VIDEO CAMERAS, AUG 27, 2010
Camera idea rolling
Local News
Posted By Bob Bruton
Updated 10 hours ago
Another set of eyes could be watching downtown Barrie.
City police are looking into security cameras in the central core, for crime prevention, an investigative tool, or both.
Barrie's police board instructed Chief Mark Neelin this week to investigate the matter, in consultation with the Downtown Neighbourhood Association and the Downtown Barrie BIA.
"He's to look at all the options," said Doug Jure, police board chairman. "Any way we can improve the chief's ability to carry out an investigation, we should look at it."How many cameras, where they would go, how they would be deployed and the cost will all be part of Neelin's investigation.
Jure said there are also privacy and liability concerns to consider.
"If we do 24/7 monitoring and we miss something (that's) on the camera. . ." he said.
Jure said the city has looked at security cameras in other municipalities' downtowns, but there's no one model Barrie could follow.
Janet Kemp, BIA chairwoman, said it will be involved in the new talks about security cameras. But her board looked at this issue two and a half years ago and decided not to move forward with it.
"Alone, they are not going to solve the problem. There are other things we could do," she said. "It might send a message of safety, but also that things aren't safe. So it is a two-sided coin."
As the owner of Janet Kemp Ladies Fashion on Dunlop Street East, she doesn't agree with security cameras.
"It's an invasion of my customers' privacy," Kemp said.
Coun. Jeff Lehman says a late-July meeting with the BIA, Downtown Neighbourhood Association and the police produced the request to look at security cameras.
"I think cameras can be a valuable tool for the police to help combat the problems downtown, especially the problems when the bars close," said Lehman, who represents the downtown. "There are a lot of details to be worked out, and some privacy concerns, but I think they could be a big help."
In 2001, the city looked at installing video surveillance cameras in the downtown area. But conflicting federal and provincial positions on the legality of surveillance, even in high-crime areas, and the potential for court challenges in cities where cameras are already used, stopped the plans.
Jure said security cameras have been discussed recently by the Downtown Neighbourhood Association, but a fatal Aug. 14 stabbing in Barrie's downtown brought surveillance to the forefront again.
"I think the stabbing just highlighted the issue and ignited the discussion," he said.
Jure said the installation of security cameras is a decision Barrie's police board can make, unless the price is prohibitive.
"If we don't have the budget, then it goes to city hall," he said. "We don't have the budget to hire officers to man the cameras."
Many private businesses already use video cameras inside their buildings, and on their property, for security reasons. Police also use these recorded images to investigate crimes and identify suspects.
"The Queen's (Hotel) has security cameras and they have assisted the police in investigations," Jure said.
Barrie's Transit Terminal had 10 security cameras installed at its 24 Maple St. building about a year ago. Cabling, digital equipment and computer monitors were also part of the package.
George Keveckas, the city's transit manager, said the security camera images at the bus station are recorded, but not constantly monitored. There are also security personnel at the downtown terminal.
Keveckas noted that while he is not a security expert, he believes the cameras have been effective.
"I think that it's awareness," he said of the surveillance.
The city also has security cameras, about 50, in its Collier Street parking garage. Their images are also just recorded and not actively monitored.
Neelin's report on the cameras is to be presented to the police board during its Sept. 21 meeting.
You people on this Association are a bunch of Liberal do gooders, who have a skewed sense of reality. Do you really think by hiding drug paraphernalia in stores is going to solve any problems? It is called free enterprise and market driven. I agree in a perfect world, I wouldn't allow these businesses to operate either. But it is a free country where these particular businesses are operating within the law. Now to address your position on the bars downtown. Again, same thing. Market driven. There are a high concentration of bars in the downtown core, because that is what the market will withstand. People choose to go downtown and have a good time. And it should be painfully obvious to you people on the committee that the City and the AGCO has allowed this number of licensed establishments in the downtown core to exist. The City wants downtown to be an Entertainment District. If you people had your way, the bars would be silent. Have none of you ever been to a bar, dance club, or Christmas Party where the music and people were loud? Get you heads out of the sand. I have heard rumblings about your meetings and some of the ridiculous things that you discuss. It is only a handful of people who ever complain to the police about the "noise." People that live right above the bars don't complain, it is the whiners like Mr. Melson and Mr. Riddell who complain, and probably dream of a day when the bars pack up. Newsflash! Nothing will change with the bars downtown. Nothing! They will continue to solve alcohol, play loud music, and unfortunately there will be the problems associated with it. Learn to live with it. Don't like the bars being so close to your residence. Simple solution. MOVE! These bars contribute thousands of dollars every year to the City tax coffers. They have some legitimate concerns and rights to. Don't get me wrong. I am not advocating for the bars, as I very seldom ever attend them. Why don't you whiny, snivelly babies on this committee move onto something more productive. And if this Association is truly open to public scrutiny, then you will post this blog, and any other blog in its entirety, and remove the "Submitted comments will be subject to moderation before being displayed." from this site. Feel free to respond with an intelligent, factual based response.
Scott Walsh, Downtown Resident
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Mr Walsh, the BDNA is not opposed to growth in the downtown. In fact we want to encourage growth, but we would like to see balanced growth. The downtown should not be just an entertainment centre. There are not enough daytime attractions in the area. We have a rich and varied history, along with an opportunity to attract daytime tourism to the downtown, which we are not exploiting. Were we able to do so, the tax revenue from the downtown area would double. So we want balanced growth. As for eliminating the bars, that's never going to happen, and would be undesirable, however, the city has allowed high density residential growth in proximity to the bars, but has failed to ensure quality of life for those who choose to live there. I'll bet none of the individuals who moved into the highrises checked them out after 11:00 P.M. when the noise is at it's most invasive levels. Many of the bars downtown have recognized and corrected their problems, but there are still those who have not. Those are the owners/managers we want to reach, and seeking restrictions is the only way we have to drive our point home.
If we ever do have a beautiful, functional downtown, why should we allow intoxicated patrons from the bars to damage the area both physically and esthetically. There are things we can do as responsible citizens and business people to mitigate the circumstances surrounding the bar business without adversely affecting the profits or the quality of nightlife in downtown Barrie, and that is what we are attempting to encourage. The Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association is working to promote a safe, healthy, accessible city centre. Our goal is to make the downtown core the heart and soul of our community, inclusive and culturally diverse. That includes you and I, and everyone else in the city. Maybe we could work together to find solutions.
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