Victoria police redeploy cameras ahead of Pride, Canada Day
Posted June 25, 2022 2:11 pm.
Last Updated June 25, 2022 2:15 pm.
CCTV cameras have been deployed across parts of downtown Victoria ahead of Pride and Canada Day festivities.
According to police, the cameras — which have been installed in previous years — will only be active for Pride Parade and Canada Day events. They “will be deactivated” but remain up in between those times, police note, with signage notifying people in the area of their presence.
We're deploying temporary, monitored CCTV cameras & officers will be helping direct #yyjtraffic & to keep people safe during Sunday's @VictoriaPride Parade. We're there to help keep everyone safe so they can celebrate a joyful #yyj Pride. More info: https://t.co/vHfCpH3Y70
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) June 23, 2022
Victoria police say the cameras help officers “keep those participating in the Pride Parade safe by assisting our efforts to control traffic and keep the parade route clear and also by allowing us to respond to any potential public safety incidents in a timely manner.”
Investigators say “the cameras are not recorded by default,” adding no information is gathered “unless a criminal investigation or public safety incident occurs.”
VicPD references recent incidents around the world where public events have been targeted. That includes the cancellation of an all-ages drag event in the city after various threats were made against the venue.
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This year’s Pride Parade will also see road closures in Victoria. Police say roads will be shut from Vic West along the Inner Harbour into James Bay.
The parade will also follow a new route this year, with traffic closures beginning just before 10 a.m. and lasting until about noon.
