INNISFAIL -- Town council has given the green light to spend $8,000 on video security cameras to keep an eye on any potential anti-social behaviour in Centennial Park.
Following the presentation of a report from Michelle Honeyman, the town's director of community services, council unanimously approved a recommendation on March 25 to install CCTV security cameras at a maximum cost of $8,000, which will be funded from the town's contingency fund.
Council and administration have been looking at the park's security issue since a delegation presentation 14 months ago recommended the installation of a gate that could curb anti-social behaviour, which included litter problems.
The issue was looked into by staff in late 2018 and only a few non-serious incidents had been reported by Innisfail RCMP and local peace officers.
Nevertheless, administration was directed by council to look into the potential of installing CCTV security cameras at the park, notably in the parking lot.
Earlier this year administration came back with a report on security camera options. Council wanted additional information, which administration brought back last month when the decision was made to spend $8,000 on the new CCTV system.
Honeyman said the town is now ready to install a wired trenching security camera system, which will include four cameras in the parking lot and possibly another one monitoring the trail leading to a dog park.
"It has better reliability," said Honeyman of the wired trenching system when compared to wireless. "The link does not always go down and I have been told it is harder for vandals to mess up the cameras because wires are in the ground, and as I understand it, wireless systems are prone to jamming."
Honeyman said she's certain the new CCTV security camera system will be installed and operational by July 1.
