In a significant move to enhance public safety, Windsor city council has unanimously approved the expansion of a surveillance camera network throughout the downtown core, with nearly 100 outdoor cameras set to monitor the area. The decision, made on Monday, allocates up to $450,000 in pre-approved funding for Project Greenlight, a program featuring commercial-grade cameras with real-time monitoring and security lighting marked by blinking green beacons.
A Visual Signal of Safety
Mayor Dilkens emphasized the psychological impact of the cameras, stating, "If people see a camera with a green light flashing on it, it's a sign to them that this is a safe area to be able to walk in." This initiative builds on a pilot program launched in 2023 with four cameras and will now see approximately 90 cameras installed across the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association. The green lights serve as a visible indicator of surveillance, aiming to deter crime and reassure residents and visitors.
Law Enforcement and Business Collaboration
Windsor police Chief Jason Crowley highlighted the investigative value of the high-definition cameras, noting, "For evidentiary purposes, after the fact, especially with these high-def cameras — they're an invaluable tool when it comes to investigating violent crime, and any crime." While the city will not have direct access to recordings, local businesses participating in the program can share footage with law enforcement through Security One, the company selected to manage the system. Businesses interested in joining must sign an agreement with Security One and pay between $45 and $129 per month for monitoring services.
Inspired by Detroit's Success
Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino, who represents the downtown neighbourhood, expressed optimism about the project's potential, suggesting it could serve as a model for other cities. "If this works downtown, I don't see why this couldn't work everywhere else in the city, in the province, in the country," he said during the council meeting. The initiative draws inspiration from Detroit's Project Green Light, launched a decade ago, which has expanded to over 900 locations and contributed to a dramatic reduction in carjackings—from 800 annually to just 77 last year, according to Detroit police Chief Todd Bettison.
Implementation and Future Prospects
The rollout of the camera network is seen as a proactive step toward improving downtown safety. Agostino described it as "another step forward to making things work for downtown," noting that Windsor may be the first Canadian city to implement such a comprehensive security system. The program emphasizes a public-private partnership approach, with businesses gaining access to their own footage while supporting broader community safety efforts. As the cameras become operational, officials anticipate enhanced crime prevention and a more secure urban environment for all.
