The City of White Rock is exploring the possibility of adding CCTV cameras in public spaces to enhance public safety and prevent crime. While the use of CCTV cameras has been a controversial topic in the past, some residents in White Rock believe that it is a necessary addition to public spaces. White Rock resident Adam Irvine and Cheryl McIlhargey expressed their support for the idea, noting that public spaces are already open to the public view. However, White Rock’s city council is still debating the implementation of CCTV cameras.
Councillor Christopher Trevelyan is in favor of adding CCTV cameras in public spaces, citing a previous incident in 2022 where a large gathering of young people led to violent fights that took the police until the early hours of the morning to break up. Trevelyan believes that CCTV cameras would have been a useful tool in such situations. The decision to install a network of cameras along the waterfront and uptown areas will likely depend on factors such as cost and effectiveness. City officials are currently working with the RCMP to identify critical areas and have opened bids from contractors for the project.
Some uptown residents in White Rock expressed their support for the addition of CCTV cameras, citing recent gang shootings in the area and the need for increased safety measures. Nicole Morgan stated that she feels a sense of safety with the prospect of CCTV cameras being installed in public spaces. In 2018, White Rock installed a camera in the five corners neighborhood after the rainbow crosswalk was repeatedly vandalized. Other municipalities in British Columbia, such as Surrey, Kelowna, Richmond, and Vancouver, utilize CCTV cameras for various purposes including road safety, traffic management, and public safety.
In contrast, the city of Vancouver voted against adding more surveillance cameras to city streets in 2022. White Rock councilors are expected to hold a vote on the addition of CCTV cameras once a final report is submitted to the council. The decision to implement CCTV cameras in public spaces in White Rock will likely continue to be a topic of discussion and debate among residents and city officials. As the city works to address safety concerns and prevent crime, the use of CCTV cameras may play a significant role in enhancing security in public areas.
