September 29,2025
RED FM News Desk
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he wants to expand the use of surveillance cameras in municipalities across the province to help police catch suspects involved in car thefts and home invasions, though he has not provided many details about how the program would work.
Speaking at a transit-related press conference in Hamilton on Monday, Ford said he discussed the idea with local leaders and residents after hearing concerns about rising crime in areas such as York Region, Etobicoke, Peel, Halton, and Durham. He noted that communities like Vaughan had previously accessed a provincial grant for CCTV cameras, which detect stolen licence plates and alert police immediately.
The existing program offers municipalities and OPP detachments funding that covers half the cost of CCTV installations, up to $300,000 annually. Ford suggested the cameras cost about $15,000 each.
While Toronto Police already use some CCTV cameras with footage automatically erased after 72 hours unless needed for evidence, Ford’s office has not outlined what technology the new initiative would involve or how it would operate. His spokesperson said the government is exploring ways to expand CCTV programs in partnership with municipalities to address violent crimes.
Ford emphasized that cameras would only be installed if residents and local councils approve, citing recent community meetings in his own Etobicoke neighbourhood where residents supported the idea after a series of home invasions.
The premier, who recently criticized municipal speed cameras as a “tax grab,” did not confirm whether existing speed cameras might be repurposed for this initiative.
Ford also described meeting a family in Etobicoke that was victimized in an armed home invasion, saying such crimes leave residents traumatized and afraid in their own homes. “We have to clean up the streets — big time,” he said.
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