Approves Surveillance Pilot, Earns Bike Award - 2026-05-04 - City Council

Kitchener council approved a one-year pilot program for CCTV and automated licence plate recognition cameras aimed at vehicle thefts and break-ins, while also unanimously approving a public art installation for the Cowan Recreation Centre and receiving an update on regional water supply constraints. The sharpest debate focused on privacy and public safety: Councillor Davey warned the pilot could start the city down “that very very path” toward a “surveillance state,” while Councillor Misho said that in Ward 4, near Highway 401, “people's cars are being robbed out of their driveways.”

Topics Discussed

CCTV AND ALPR PILOT: Council approved a one-year pilot program for CCTV and Automated License Plate Recognition technology in response to vehicle thefts and break-ins in areas including Deer Ridge and Hidden Valley. The pilot includes a mandatory review after 12 months. Councillor Singh said resident survey responses showed some people “don't feel as safe as they did in the past” and wanted “to see the presence of the police in more areas.” Councillor Davey opposed the move, saying, “In terms of surveillance states and the dystopian future we sometimes read about in things like 1984 ... this is starting us down that very very path.” The Mayor also raised privacy concerns, saying, “This is a big step for us as a community.”

WATER CAPACITY UPDATE: Staff reported that the Region of Waterloo is dealing with water capacity constraints by repairing regional supply wells and designing a temporary solution at the Mannheim water treatment plant. City staff said they are preparing for “water constraint management” heading into the summer peak season. Councillor Dave asked whether the issue would be discussed at an upcoming all-council meeting, and the Mayor said he would request that once more information is available.

“LET’S PLAY” PUBLIC ART: Council unanimously approved “Let’s Play,” a public art installation for the Cowan Recreation Centre by artist Pierre Busan. The piece features five cast bronze animal figures playing sports. Caroline Veron of Arts and Culture Industries said, “The jury agreed that visitors of all ages will be drawn to these imaginative whimsical characters.” Councillor Johnson said visitors from across Canada and “across North America” would take photos with it and call it “the coolest public artwork I have ever seen before.” Councillor Deno jokingly asked, “Why was there no cat?”

BICYCLE FRIENDLY AWARD: Council recognized Kitchener’s Gold Bicycle Friendly Community Award from the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. Eleanor McMahon, board chair of the coalition, said provincewide polling found that “68% of Ontarians or 9.8 million people are riding their bike at least monthly” and that 22% ride frequently, “daily or almost daily.” The recognition reflects the city’s cycling infrastructure, education and encouragement programs.

MORGATE CRESCENT HOUSING: Councillor Johnson raised concerns about the delayed regional housing project at Morgate Crescent in Ward 8 and asked for a community meeting with staff and councillors, regular follow-up meetings, and a staff contact for residents. She also asked the region “to prioritize residents for any suitable accommodation that comes up in their housing inventory for those that are not properly housed.” The Mayor said he would raise those requests with regional council.

Motions

Passed: - Items 7.1A through 7.1D - Item 7.1E: CCTV and ALPR Pilot Project - Public Art Commission “Let’s Play” for Cowan Recreation Centre - Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee items, excluding Mill Street and North Street portions of the Official Plan - Noise exemption for the Greek Food Festival - Lease agreement extension - New Emergency Plan Bylaw - Dangerous Dog Appeal Committee report

Attendees

• Mayor
• Councillor Johnson
• Councillor Davey
• Councillor Schneider
• Councillor Deno
• Councillor Singh
• Councillor Innisfil/Ritis name unclear in text
• Councillor Misho
• Councillor Johnston
• Councillor Stretch