By Nick Dube

Security

Proposed downtown security camera pilot program moving ahead

Oct 21, 2025 | 5:10 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Downtown Prince George is moving ahead with a plan to install 10 high resolution cameras throughout the City’s downtown core. The cameras will be monitored 24/7 with support from trained personnel and AI technology which will be able to detect emergencies in real time. Downtown business owner John Zukowski says it may take time to get implemented and there will be some adjustments needed to be made over time but the cameras will make a big difference overall.

“The positive is that we’re going to get better video evidence that will help lead to convictions. People think that it’s a waste of money but it isn’t. Video cameras don’t draw pensions, they don’t draw wages but they do collect evidence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The advantages are we will have good video, proof of what’s happened and who the suspects are that are that are committing the problems. I think it’ll be a benefit to us.” said Zukowski.

The installation of cameras comes just one week after over one thousand people attended a safe streets rally at the CN Centre calling for a solution to the increasing problems occuring downtown. The rally targeted provincial and federal levels to assist the city after fires, assaults and vandalism have increased leaving many feeling downtown is not safe. Executive Director of Downtown Prince George Chrisie Berry says the program was modeled after Penticton’s successful downtown camera initiative and notes that this program should give business added confidence in the safety of there storefronts and customers.

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“So Penticton started a number of years ago. They have grown their program to the point that it’s outside of their downtown core, and getting pushed further and further out into the city. They have had a lot of success. A couple examples that they shared with me where somebody lit a dumpster on fire and pushed it up against a building while the camera caught it. They put the fire out while it was still in the dumpster. It didn’t touch the building.” said Berry.

$ 40,000 for the program will come from the CIty of Prince George while Iren will provide the remaining $5,000. The cameras are expected by the end of next year.