Petty Harbour considering cameras to curb vandalism

Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove council has asked staff to research the cost and logistics of installing surveillance cameras around town ahead of the next municipal budget.
The motion was passed after a request from the recreation committee was brought forward at the May 19 regular meeting.
“There has been talk of some vandalism in our community,” said chief administrative officer Mandy Dinn, adding that residents, members of the recreation committee and town staff had all expressed concerns.
“Our own town foreman actually said he would like to have one around the town’s depot just to have it more secure when there’s salt, sand or stone … just different things they need to leave outside,” said Dinn.
She added that if council wanted to approach this request the proper way, she recommended it be considered for the next budget.
Deputy Mayor Irene Stack said there were also a number of things to still research, like technical issues, what locations would be prioritized and what privacy issues and liabilities are associated.
“We need to make sure all our t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted. But I think it’s definitely a good investment,” Stack said.
Mayor Ed Dyke said waiting until the next budget cycle would also allow time for administration to explore potential grant funding.
Locations like the town depot, the playground and recreation areas, the War Memorial were all mentioned, but council did not include specific locations in the motion.