Additional Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras will soon be installed across Chatham-Kent to help deter crime and assist police investigations.
Chatham-Kent council has voted in favour of adding cameras at Memorial Park in Tilbury, Kingston Park in Chatham, Library Park in Wallaceburg, Thames Road Conservation Area in Chatham, and McGregor Kinsman Park in Blenheim.
The motion was brought forward by Ward 1 Councillor Melissa Harrigan in response to a report by CK Police Chief Kirk Earley, highlighting the effectiveness of CCTV in recent investigations.
Ward 2 Councillor Anthony Ceccacci added a friendly amendment asking that camera installations in Erieau and Mitchell’s Bay be considered as part of the 2026 budget update.
“Erieau has been significantly hit this year with vandalism to the point that the washrooms have not been utilized,” said Ceccacci. “The significant influx of people that villages and small communities like Mitchell’s Bay receive in the summer time, I think it would be beneficial to our entire community that these waterfront properties that are significant tourist areas have a little bit of extra surveillance.”
The $94,000 cost to install the cameras will be taken from the strategic reserve with the $32,000 annual cost to be included in the 2026 budget update.
Ward 4 councillor Rhonda Jubenville voted against the motion, citing her desire to have the funding go towards more of a police presence then cameras.
“I understand what Chief Earley is saying, that’s it’s not replacing frontline officers, but I would rather earmark any extra money towards frontline staffing,” said Jubenville. “Even bolster specialty units and get more boots on the ground. Officers in our smaller communities… seeing increased frontline policing is, in my opinion, what is greatly needed in Chatham-Kent.”
Earley said police will also pursue external funding opportunities to help offset the costs of the project.
