Winnipeg hopes to expand use of illegal dumping surveillance cameras
2-year pilot program using motion-capture technology began in April
The City of Winnipeg hopes to expand its use of motion-activated surveillance cameras to curb illegal garbage dumping to private property.
In April, the city embarked on a two-year pilot project that involves placing closed-circuit cameras at illegal-dumping hot spots reported to city by residents and business owners.
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So far, two cameras have been placed on city property, but council wants to expand their use to private property.
Last year, the city allocated $54,000 to purchase six solar-powered cameras, which are triggered by motion, much the way wildlife cameras capture images of forest creatures in remote locations.
On Tuesday, city council's innovation committee approved a plan to allow city staff to enter into legal agreements to install the cameras on private property without having to come to council first.
"This gives them the agility to do this quickly," innovation committee chairman Coun.Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) said Tuesday at city hall. "If we start publicizing that we're trying to enter into an agreement with Bob at 123 Cherry Tree Lane, it becomes very public that were doing that because it has to go through council."
The city won't disclose where it's placing the cameras, but dozens of illegal-dumping hot spots have been reported, said Winston Yee, the city's community bylaw enforcement manager.
"Once you have illegal dumping starting, it tends to accumulate and it attracts more," said Yee, who hopes the surveillance-camera pilot program will serve as a deterrent.
"Once we get the results of the pilot to see how effective it is, in terms of both charges and as well increasing awareness to reduce illegal dumping and having people use legitimate means [instead], such as calling 311 and getting bulk waste pickup, we'll do a report that will go to council."
Aside from the camera purchases, the pilot project is being conducted at no additional cost to the city's water and waste, public works and community services departments, a report to council states.
The plan to allow the city to enter into legal agreements to place the cameras on private property requires council approval in June.