Salmon Arm city council has considered installing security cameras to prevent vandalism on the city’s rainbow crosswalks.
A motion was made at the council’sTuesday meeting, directing staff to investigate the possibility of installing surveillance at the rainbow crosswalks and report back to the council. The cameras, if placed, would be located at the McLeod Street and Hudsone Ave SE, and 5th Ave and 5th Street SW intersections.
They covered a written letter from a local that read, “I was appalled to hear that the rainbow crosswalk was again defaced. I believe this is an act of hate that needs to be stopped immediately!”
In late September, the city discovered the Pride crosswalks had been spray-painted with the name “Kirk”. More burnout marks were also observed on those crosswalks this week, but it was unconfirmed if it was a purposeful act of hate.
“I know that this is not an act that is supported by the city, so for goodness’ sake, let’s actively pursue the person(s) that are doing this,” the same letter read. “Maybe this seems too simple, but security cameras should catch this.”
The motion was created by Councillor Sylvia Lingren who noted it would cost the city less to install cameras than it would to repair the crosswalk.
“It sends a very negative message that even though we continuously repair the sidewalk, it takes time … for me, it sends a negative message that we don’t care enough to stop this behaviour from happening that still sends a message that Salmon Arm is still not a safe place for diverse people,” Lingren said.
She said this is a problem that the council needs to investigate, and that this vandalism is a fair reason for installing cameras.
Councillor Kevin Flynn supported the motion, saying that the only word he could think of was ‘disgust’ when he saw the vandalism. He proposed the idea of supporting a local business by installing surveillance cameras at one of the stores.
Mayor Alan Harrison also supported, though he wants to avoid the public thinking this issue is resolved if cameras are placed.
He concluded saying that there’s more that needs to be done, such as determining the cost, if placing cameras would help, and if they are allowed to pursue the installation.
“Once I have that information, then I will certainly consider it.”
