Live webcam lets students check Tim Hortons line length

A "TimCam" was set up on the UBC Okanagan campus to let students see how long the Tim Hortons lineup is. Nov. 4, 2013. (CTV)

A webcam has been set up at the University of B.C.’s Okanagan campus to let students check the Tim Hortons lineup length and avoid showing up late for class.

Students told CTV News the coffee line sometimes stretches all the way around the building and into the library, causing some to miss out on valuable learning time.

UBCO information technology director Don Thompson said his department joked about installing a live feed for students, but decided to actually move forward with it after a professor brewed up the same idea.

“Time is really critical to students, not just between classes but they’re trying to get their studying before exams,” Thompson said. “This is really about helping the students maximize their time on campus.”

The feed, dubbed the “TimCam,” is available on students’ smart phones or the UBCO website. The footage is low-resolution by design to avoid raising privacy concerns.

You can watch it live here.

Have your say: Would you use a similar webcam at your local Tim Hortons?