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CCTV Community Cameras

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About the program

Beginning in April 2024, York Regional Police is launching the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Community Camera program. This program is intended to support crime prevention, improve investigative capabilities and enhance community safety, helping to ensure York Region remains among the safest communities in Canada.

York Regional Police will use CCTV footage to investigate and solve crimes if criminal activity is reported in the area. The cameras will only monitor publicly accessible areas. Camera views are restricted from recording private dwelling spaces.

Footage will only be retained for 72 hours unless it is needed for an investigative purpose.

CCTV monitoring will be conducted in a professional, ethical and legal manner in accordance with the Ontario Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Human Rights Code and in compliance with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario guidelines.

Locations

Using a data-driven approach, York Regional Police has identified 10 locations across the region which were chosen to enhance public safety and assist in police investigations.

Residents can expect to see signs notifying them that they are entering an area that may be monitored by CCTV community cameras.

The following is a list of locations where CCTV community cameras will be installed:

  • Jane Street / Highway 7, Vaughan
  • Jane Street / Norwood Avenue, Vaughan
  • Jane Street / Avro Road, Vaughan
  • Yonge Street / Crosby Avenue, Richmond Hill
  • Yonge Street / Carville Road, Richmond Hill
  • Warden Avenue / Highway 7, Markham
  • Woodbine Avenue / Highway 7, Markham
  • Warden Avenue / Steeles Avenue, Markham
  • Yonge Street / Davis Drive, Newmarket
  • Yonge Street / Wellington Street, Aurora

Frequently asked questions

What is the intent of the program?
The primary purpose of the York Region CCTV program is to support crime prevention and public safety throughout the region.
How will the program work?
When the CCTV cameras are installed and configured, York Regional Police will use what is called “passive monitoring” of the cameras. This means, authorized  YRP members will not be watching the cameras in real time but rather, the video will be captured and recorded. Police will use the footage to investigate and solve crimes if criminal activity is reported in the areas where the cameras are situated. Authorized York Regional Police members will only monitor video in real time during reported situations.
How many camera locations? 
There will be 10 camera locations during the initial phase of the pilot project that commences in April 2024.
How is it determined where a camera will go?

Each of the locations were chosen using a data-driven approach where trends in crime have indicated that CCTV cameras will support with both crime prevention efforts and active police investigations.

Cameras shall be located to only monitor areas to which the public have access. The views of the cameras are restricted to prohibit the viewing of private dwelling spaces. Operators will be made aware of the purpose(s) for which the cameras have been established and are prohibited from using the cameras for any other purpose. If cameras are adjustable by the operators, these adjustments are restricted so that operators cannot adjust or manipulate them to overlook spaces to which the public does not have access (e.g., private residences).
How are the cameras being funded?
Funding of this project includes a grant from the Province of Ontario.
How will the cameras be monitored? 
The cameras will be monitored on a regular basis. The use of CCTV cameras shall not reduce YRP presence in the monitored locations.  Monitoring operators shall not monitor individuals in any matter which would constitute a violation of the Human Rights Code.
Who will have access to the data?  
York Regional Police will maintain access to the data. Information obtained through video monitoring shall be used for security and law enforcement purposes or under the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and released according to the standards set by MFIPPA.
When will the data be accessed?
All video footage is retained for approximately a 72-hour period unless a record has been requisitioned for use to support with an investigation.
Will any other groups have access to the data/video?
The video may be accessed by other law enforcement agencies for investigative purposes.
Will video be released publicly?
The video may be released to the public to help identify people of interest during investigations.
How many other communities have programs such as this?

While there may be variations to the programs, many communities in Ontario and throughout Canada have CCTV camera programs in place. Below is a list of some of the communities throughout Ontario who have successfully implemented CCTV technology for crime prevention and community safety:

  • Belleville
  • Cobourg
  • Cornwall
  • Durham Region
  • Kingston
  • London
  • Niagara Falls
  • Ottawa
  • Sudbury
  • Toronto
  • Windsor