Windsor seeks firm for 90-cam downtown surveillance network

The City of Windsor is looking for a security company to run a string of security cameras to bolster the city's security.

The City of Windsor is looking for a security company to build and run a surveillance camera network in the downtown core as part of its Strengthen the Core revitalization plan.

A request for proposals (RFP), issued Aug. 1, outlines a $450,000 program that would see a private firm supply, install, monitor and maintain cameras at participating businesses.

“We’re looking for a qualified vendor in security or surveillance that will supply, install and basically manage the surveillance equipment,” said Andrew Daher, the city’s commissioner of corporate services.

“In addition to that, not just the one-time cost of installing and providing the equipment, but also monitoring and maintaining in real time the surveillance for the businesses within the downtown core.”

The program offers grants of up to $5,000 per business, allowing as many as 90 cameras to be online through the downtown area, Daher said.

Companies awarded the funding would work directly with the winning security firm to install and maintain the cameras over a minimum five-year term.

Businesses would have to apply for the grants once a supplier is chosen. Daher said the city intends to keep an “arm’s-length role,” reimbursing businesses for eligible costs while leaving day-to-day operations to the contractor.

The new network would expand on Project StreetSafe, a pilot launched in August 2023 that placed a handful of cameras at downtown businesses.

Daher said the trial helped track hundreds of incidents and was well received by business owners and the community.

“The initial pilot, which was fairly small, can definitely be expanded,” he said. “We’re going to do everything that we can to increase the safety and address anti-social behaviours within the downtown area.”

The bidding period closes Aug. 22.

According to Daher, city council hopes to review and award the contract to the successful proponent in early to mid-October.