Owen Sound installs surveillance cameras after violent death of local business owner
Downtown Owen Sound now features new surveillance cameras positioned at the top of light poles, a year-long effort to enhance safety and keep an eye on crime.
"We want to give a sense of security for people coming down in the day and in the evening in our downtown core," said Mayor Ian Boddy.
The cameras were approved by council at a price tag of $90,000 following the death of local business owner Sharif Rahman, who was violently attacked outside of his restaurant following a dispute over a bill in August 2023.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Rahman's death sent shockwaves through the small community.
"And that was what led to the cameras and other policing, more police presence in downtown," said Boddy.
"Video evidence is absolutely important and crucial in the investigation of offences," said Owen Sound Police Insp. Jeff Fluney. "That footage will be, absolutely, beneficial."
In total, 17 cameras will be installed along some of the city's busiest roads in two phases. Eight are already operational 24 hours a day and monitored by the city.
At Boon Bakery, owner Megan Cookson said that while she has felt safe at her downtown business, she hopes the cameras will provide shoppers an added sense of comfort.
"I'm glad that they add a feeling of safety for the general public so that people feel more encouraged to shop downtown and support an independent business," said Cookson.
The mayor said the city will analyze the already installed cameras over the next few months, with plans to have the additional cameras operational by the start of 2025.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Toronto's first 'Eras Tour' show kicks off at Rogers Centre
Taylor Swift takes the stage at the Rogers Centre as 'The Eras Tour' has arrived.
Purolator workers won't handle Canada Post packages if strike occurs, union says
Teamsters Canada says if Canada Post workers go on strike or are locked out, its members at Purolator won't handle any packages postmarked or identified as originating from the carrier.
Trump chooses anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says he will nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, putting him in charge of a massive agency that oversees everything from drug, vaccine and food safety to medical research and the social safety net programs Medicare and Medicaid.
Canada urged to cut government-funded research collaborations with China: report
A newly released report is urging Canada to immediately end all government-funded research collaborations with China in a variety of different areas.
Centre Block renovation facing timeline and budget 'pressures'
The multi-billion-dollar renovation of parliament’s Centre Block building continues to be on time and on budget, but construction crews are facing 'pressures' when it comes to the deadline and total costs, according to the department in charge of the project.
Winnipeg driver rescues passengers from burning van
A Winnipeg driver was in the right place at the right time when a paratransit van caught fire Thursday morning.
B.C.'s chief vet tells clinics to set up bird flu protocols amid human exposure risk
British Columbia's chief veterinarian has told clinics that treat wild birds that they must establish protocols to prevent the spread of avian flu, warning of the risk of human exposure to the illness.
Measles cases in New Brunswick continue to climb
The number of measles cases in New Brunswick continue to climb. Officials with New Brunswick’s Department of Health said as of Thursday, the number of confirmed cases since October has reached 43.
Police release bodycam video of officer-involved incident at Hindu temple protest in Brampton, Ont.
Police say an officer who forcefully removed a 'weapon' from a protester outside of a Hindu temple in Brampton was acting 'within the lawful execution of his duties' after bystander video of the incident circulated widely online.