Politicians, businesses backing CCTV cameras for ByWard Market

In the wake of a series of deadly shootingsin the ByWard Market, the local councillor, the mayor and now several business owners are announcing their support for video surveillance cameras to watch over the popular entertainment district.

Three men have beenshot dead in the ByWard Market since April, and a stabbing occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning.

• Edmonton man charged in fatal ByWard Market shooting
• Man charged with 2nd-degree murder in death of local hip-hop artist
• 21-year-old Ryan Kabuya-Ntumbakilled early Canada Day

At the request of Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury, city staff began investigating the feasibility of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in September.

"Many large cities use them," FleurytoldCBC Radio'sAll In A Day on Thursday.

CCTV cameras arealready in placeincity facilities including libraries, community centres and future light rail stations, Fleury pointed out.

In an emailed statement, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said he also supports "exploring the installation of CCTV cameras to enhance the sense of safety among the public and to improvethe ability of Ottawa Police Service to respond to crime."

Only part of the solution

Fleurysaidthe ByWard Market has unique challenges given the number of liquor licencesand social service agencies in the area.

But Fleury said he's also sensitive to privacy concerns, and acknowledged CCTV cameras alone don't guarantee safer streets.

"I don't knowhow far they would go to prevent [crime], and there won't be a one-tier solution to make our cities safer," he said.

Most business owners who spoke with CBC Thursday were in favour of CCTV cameras as one measure toward improving safety.

"Absolutely, anything to help [get] more eyes on the street will make people feel safer," said SteveMonuk,co-owner of York Real Estate Corporation,which owns a swathof buildings andoperates eightbars in the ByWard Market, including Cornerstone Bar and Grill, Pub 101and Sens House.

"I think if it was Big Brother with facial recognition, that's one thing. It'sa fine line between privacy and safety, but people use OC Transpo every day and they have cameras, so what's the difference?" Monuk said.

John Diener, who began helping his parents run Saslove'sMeat Market about 40 years ago and is nowthe store'sowner, said he's concerned by the recent spate of violence, and would have no problem with CCTV cameras.

"I don't have any issues.If someone wants to take my picture on the way home,I am happy to even wave at the camera," he said.

Privacy concerns

Katherine McDonald, who lives a few blocks away from the market's bars and restaurants, didn't see an issue with the cameras, either.

"If you want to apprehend the suspects orwitnesses who are refusing to come forward to give information, then I think CCTV would be a good idea," she said.

McDonald has teenaged relatives visiting this summer and said CCTV cameras would give her a sense of security.

"Ifyou're an honest person and you're going about your business, there should be no reason at all to be concerned about the cameras."

But not everyoneis convinced placing CCTV cameras in public areas is a wise idea.

"I'm actually still on the fence about itand I haven't made up my mind,"said Jessica Baird."We're trying to keep the community protected, butI don't want to be watched all the time as I walk through here."