KCBIA in favour of security-related supplemental budget plan to use CCTV cameras in downtown Kamloops

Mar 13, 2025 | 4:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — The executive director of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA) says downtown Kamloops shops were glad to hear of new security measures approved by city council this week.

Howie Reimer says other jurisdictions have successfully used the cameras in public areas. He feels using the technology in key downtown areas will improve public safety, deter crime and help provide more evidence to law enforcement when a crime is committed.

“I know Penticton started with ten cameras, then went to 30 and, as the program has been very successful, they’ve expanded — so much so that they’ve gone from their downtown district to the entire business district,” Reimer says.

The plan was tentatively approved at a cost of just under $1 million per year as part of this year’s supplemental budget.

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The option council approved will also include the hiring of 10 Community Service Officers over the next three years to replace previous security contracts. Council also moved to spend $50,000 to set up a 24/7 operations centre in the existing office space for Community Service Officers at 340 Victoria Street, to monitor the cameras and collect necessary video recordings.

“I think the appetite now, for the business community… I know with privacy concerns it was something in the past. I think those attitudes have changed,” notes Reimer. “We still want to be respectful and I’m sure the city will also adhere to the privacy laws.”

Reimer adds that the city will decide when exactly the cameras are installed, and where, but the KCBIA hopes to see the units set up in high-incident areas.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

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KCBIA in favour of security-related supplemental budget plan to use CCTV cameras in downtown Kamloops

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