Applications open for Windsor’s Project Greenlight surveillance cameras

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Downtown business owners can now apply for city-funded security cameras expected to make people feel safer in Windsor’s core.

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On Wednesday, the city officially launched Project Greenlight, a program adopted by the City of Detroit a decade ago and credited with deterring criminal activity and improving police response times north of the border.

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“We don’t complain anymore about downtown,” said Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino, who represents the neighbourhood. “We find solutions to get things done and try our best to make a difference.”

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Last month, Windsor city council voted unanimously to spend up to $450,000 to expand Project Greenlight from a four-camera pilot to a full program with 90 cameras. The funding was previously approved as part of the city’s downtown revitalization plan, Strengthen the Core.

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Commercial properties within the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association can apply for one of the commercial-grade cameras. Each camera — and its flashing green light — will cost the city $5,000 and will take a few weeks to get up and running.

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Only the property owner and Security One will have access to the footage. Property owners can choose to share the footage with law enforcement.

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“Visible security infrastructure sends a message,” said Corey Robertson, sales manager for Security One. He attended the news conference at city hall on Wednesday.

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“It tells customers they’re welcome, it tells employees that their workspace is protected, and it tells anyone considering causing trouble that this community is paying attention.

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“Security infrastructure doesn’t just respond to problems. It helps prevent them.”

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Successful applicants will enter into a five-year program with Security One and will pay the company between $40 and $129 per month to monitor live camera feeds.

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Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said the public’s perception of downtown safety has the same impact as actual data-backed safety concerns. He anticipates that Project Greenlight cameras will improve that perception.

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“If people don’t feel safe in an area because they think it’s unsafe, they’re just not going to go to it.

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“This program is a good one.”

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Speaking about people struggling with mental health, addiction, and homelessness downtown, Dilkens said, there isn’t “one silver bullet that is going to solve all of the challenges we see.”

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“But it doesn’t mean we don’t have any ammo to help support the community and help improve the situation.”

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Dilkens noted that, through the Strengthen the Core initiative, the city has expanded operations at its Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4). The hub now operates 24/7, 365 days per year, has food services, and has on-site medical professionals to help those in need.