By Sebastian Kanally, Times Chronicle
More surveillance cameras will be installed at landfills throughout the region in a bid to curb vandalism and theft.
The Regional District of the Okananagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has agreed to install seven new surveillance cameras throughout the region’s landfills.
Two of these video surveillance cameras will be installed at the Oliver Landfill. The move is in an effort to reduce vandalism and theft at the various sites throughout the region.
Although the vote was unanimous some of the directors expressed some hesitancy. For example, George Bush, director of area “B” Cawston, queried whether these cameras are actually worth the cost.
“They don’t really do anything and they are a big expense,” he explained.
Corporate officer Christy Malden explained that cameras have already been in use at sites and have proven effective in preventing vandalism and theft.
Malden explained that they “work closely with the RCMP” and do in fact exchange video with them. She further explained that the RCMP claimed this evidence has helped them in certain investigations.
Director of area “D” Matt Taylor also questioned why they have to be run 24/7 and wondered about privacy issues when it came to these cameras.
Malden explained that the privacy aspect is addressed by signs that are up informing people that they are in fact being recorded. The video is therefore admissible evidence in court.
The cameras have to be run 24/7, Malden also explained, because a lot of illicit activity happens at night, and employees cannot see everything during the day.
Along with the two cameras to be installed at the Oliver Landfill, there will also be two cameras replaced and one new camera installed at the Campbell Mountain Landfill in Penticton.
One video surveillance camera will be installed at the Okanagan Falls Landfill. One will also be installed at the Keremeos Transfer Station.
