Municipal council has approved the installation of new CCTV cameras at five public parks across Chatham-Kent, following a motion brought forward by West Kent Councillor Melissa Harrigan.
At the July 14, 2025, council meeting, members voted to fund one-time costs of $94,000 from the strategic reserve for the installations. Ongoing operating expenses of $32,000 are to be included in the 2026 budget update.
CCTV cameras will be added to:
– Memorial Park in Tilbury
– Kingston Park in Chatham
– Library Park in Wallaceburg
– Thames Grove Conservation Area in Chatham
– McGregor Kinsmen Park in Blenheim
Council also directed administration to bring forward a business case during the 2026 budget process to consider installing CCTV cameras in Erieau, Mitchell’s Bay, and other public areas that may benefit.
In a report to council, Police Chief Kirk Early emphasized the importance of the camera system for public safety.
“As of May 2025, CKPS operates a network of 171 fixed CCTV cameras strategically installed across 55 locations throughout the municipality,” Early said. “These cameras serve as a valuable tool in supporting frontline policing by enhancing situational awareness, improving investigative efficiency, and increasing the ability to respond to incidents in real time.”
Early added that the cameras are not intended to replace officers, but to support them: “With increasing calls for service across Chatham-Kent, the system allows CKPS to maximize resources while delivering effective and timely public safety responses.”
According to the report, the system has already demonstrated “significant positive outcomes,” playing a critical role in daily police operations, expediting investigations, identifying suspects quickly, and providing key evidence for prosecutions.
“This impact has been particularly evident in cases involving missing and vulnerable people, property and vehicle crime, mischief, and public safety incidents,” Early noted.
Read the Chief’s full report, here.
