City council voted to expand the Eye on the Street Program from 13 to 20 cameras.

This will also improve the technology of cameras in locations already installed in the city.

The program kicked off in 2005, and advancements since then mean the older locations have fallen behind in terms of their effectiveness.

At-Large Councillor Mark Bentz was a critic during the discussion, worried about the costs that will come with the expansion.

“This is not cheap to do. We have to man this, we have to renew the capital, here’s another $500,000 going in and this is just the start of it from the sounds of it.”

Councillor Bentz went on the voice his concerns over privacy that may be violated by the installation of more cameras.

“I can see the value that they have, but I tend to like a little more liberty. I don’t like to be watched everywhere I am.”

Police spokesperson Chris Adams was part of the discussion, and praised the cameras and the benefits they would provide police services in the city, and in turn the community.

“This new system will allow us to use advanced video analytics which will greatly aid a number of our investigations, including the proliferation of guns and gangs in the city as well.”

Further expansion of the Eye on the Street Program is already being discussed, with 40 locations across the city being considered.