A Chatham-Kent councillor is asking for a report on potential Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera placements that would provide significant public benefit.
Councillor Anthony Ceccacci brought for the notice of motion at the July 27 council meeting, specifically calling out Erieau, Mitchell’s Bay and other areas experiencing continued vandalism as potential areas of interest.
Ceccacci’s motion wants administration and CK police to present available options, estimated costs, funding opportunities and any privacy or operational considerations for council review and discussion.
Last July, CK Chief of Police, Kirk Earley, presented an information report on the benefits of CCTV cameras and highlighted the success of the CCTV camera in Chatham-Kent, recommending cameras be placed in Mitchell’s Bay and Erieau.
On July 14, 2025, council approved installing CCTV cameras at Memorial Park in Tilbury, Kingston Park in Chatham, Library Park in Wallaceburg, Thames Grove Conservation Area, and McGregor Kinsmen Park in Blenheim. A friendly amendment by Ceccacci asked that a business case be provided at the 2026 budget to consider cameras in Erieau, Mithcell’s Bay and other public areas that could benefit from security surveillance.
In an email to CKXS News, Corporate Services and Project Manager with the Chatham-Kent Police Service, Sarah VandenBrand, has confirmed that Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) has been reviewing CCTV deployment and public safety needs across the municipality. Writing, “the Chatham-Kent Police Service had plans in motion to add one CCTV camera to Mitchell’s bay and Erieau. As part of this broader review, the request to examine CCTV expansion in Erieau, Mitchell’s Bay, and other public areas was being considered within the overall analysis to ensure a consistent and evidence-based approach to future camera deployment. The intention was to develop recommendations and supporting information in a manner similar to the timeframe and process associated with the original motion approved in 2025.”
VandenBrand has confirmed CKPS is currently preparing the required administrative response. Ceccacci’s motion will be discussed at the August 10 council meeting.
