By Lyonel Doherty
Closed circuit television cameras may be coming to a location near you in Oliver.
That’s what the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee (CSCP) is looking at to enhance safety in Canada’s Wine Capital.
A report to the committee pegs the approximate cost of video surveillance at various Town-owned properties at $85,106.
Staff met with a security company and toured Oliver to identify areas that could be equipped with cameras to reduce crime. These include the airport, cemetery, municipal hall, Lion’s Park, Oliver Visitor Centre and the new (bridge) park on Fairview Road.
It was noted that all cameras have real-time analytics to notify the authorities if a human or vehicle is detected in a location where they are not supposed to be.
On Tuesday, the committee discussed the merits of video surveillance and asked staff to prepare a policy to address the privacy issues of installing CCTV cameras on Town-owned property.
Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Cowan said the Town has to ensure the protection of privacy for local residents; a consideration that must be weighed against public safety.
She noted it is believed the addition of security cameras will support law enforcement and deter criminal activity in Oliver.
The committee supported offering a $100 rebate to people who install security cameras on the exterior of their property.
Oliver RCMP Sgt. Blaine Gervais said surveillance cameras are a good deterrent, noting if a criminal sees a camera on someone’s house, he or she won’t go there. And if it records an offence taking place, that’s good evidence police can use.
Committee member at large Pat Hampson said the two cameras he has on his property work really well. He noted there is someone in his neighbourhood that he doesn’t trust, so the cameras offer him peace of mind.
Hampson said surveillance video would also be very beneficial at problem intersections where public safety is an issue.
Committee chair Martin Johansen said one priority is to obtain a red light speed camera installed on Highway 97 at Fairview Road.
Area C director Rick Knodel said he is a real fan of cameras, noting he has a dashboard cam and surveillance devices at home.
He sees a real benefit to having cameras in the rural area since farmers are having a “heck of a time” keeping their tractors and equipment out of the hands of thieves.
“The camera technology has improved so much in the last decade that we’re way ahead of the game.”
But Knodel noted there are some problems with night-vision cameras.
Cowan outlined the potential locations for these cameras, citing a recent case of theft of copper wiring from the Town’s electric vehicle charging station near the Oliver Visitor Centre.
Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said they’ve had break-ins on Public Works property.
Cowan said if something were to happen to their water reservoir, the whole Town’s security would be impacted.
She pointed out that some security systems can actually talk to suspected perpetrators by saying, “You’re being watched.”
Knodel joked by adding you can incorporate the sound of a cycling shotgun. “They all know that noise.”
Committee member Jim King suggested setting up a pilot (camera) project at one key location before spending a hundred thousand dollars on the entire project.
Johansen said he doesn’t agree with erecting all of these cameras, stating they need to establish proper policy and approvals.
Hampson said there will likely be some paranoia in Oliver from people who think they are being watched.
But Gervais said the video footage would only be accessed if there was a crime. He stated the public perception that someone would be monitoring the cameras 24 hours a day is false.
