CCTV coming to River Mill Park in Huntsville

There will be 6 cameras covering the park area

After not receiving any public feedback about the proposed new video surveillance system at River Mill Park in the May 26, 2025, public meeting, the Town will be going ahead with the project.

According to the staff report, in the October 28, 2024, meeting Council approved an additional $7,000 specifically for video surveillance at River Mill Park, in addition to the existing $70,000 allocated in the Information Technology Capital Budget to replace the current general video surveillance system.

$5,900 of the cost was for the video installation, and $1000 for signage.

Staff indicated that the Town has been experiencing an increase in vandalism at the park over the past few years and have received ongoing public complaints about it.

Especially concerning are the bandshell and washroom, and staff recommended installing video surveillance cameras to help manage it.

“This senseless and costly vandalism continues in River Mill Park today which places additional strains on the Town’s budget and resources,” adds the report.

Council also expressed interest in ensuring there is also adequate lighting at the park, which would help identify vandalizers more easily.

Staff were directed to hire a consultant to conduct an assessment on the lighting required at the park, in addition to their recommendations to include the bandshell, washrooms, Dara Howell Way, and pedestrian walkway up to Main Street.

Today the Manager of Information Technology, Ian Parker, confirmed they will be placing 6 cameras in the area. Two cameras will be at the washroom – 365 cameras opposite corners of the building – and the rest at the bandshell. One will aim from the back of the bandshell towards the washrooms, two in the open grass area, and one under the roof of the bandshell.

Parker said they will also be putting up signs to warn people about the surveillance.

Council also discussed having the flower gardens included in the camera views due to reported vandalism in those areas as well.

Councillor, Helena Renwick, said she’s happy to hear one will be facing the stage of the bandshell due to ongoing nighttime activity there.

Parker advised that video data will also remain in the system for 14 days before being removed, which is the average length of time to hold them.

Councillor Jason FitzGerald indicated that it’s not likely the Town will go 14 days before learning about vandalism.

He also recommended that audio be used as well as it has proven effective with police investigations they’ve had in Port Sydney.