Manitoba

Winnipeg aims to catch illegal trash dumpers on camera

A City of Winnipeg committee has approved a motion to install video cameras in parts of the city to catch people illegally dumping garbage.

No information yet on what parts of the city will be targeted or when cameras will be installed

Illegally dumped construction materials choke a West End alley in Winnipeg. (CBC)

A City of Winnipeg committee has approved a motion to install video cameras in parts of the city to catch people illegally dumping garbage.

The two-year pilot project was approved Monday morning by the Protection and Community Services committee.

It calls for closed circuit television (CCTV) to be installed at a cost of about $50,000, but where the money will come from still needs to be determined.

Coun. Devi Sharma co-authored the motion and said she is ecstatic it was supported by the protection committee on Monday.

"Illegal dumping is completely disrespectful. As a parent of a young child, I teach my son the importance of helping to keep our city clean," said Sharma. 

"I have seen couches, mattresses and bags of garbage left for those walking, biking and driving in our neighbourhoods to see. This is a complete eyesore and I would like to see the problem curbed. I'm pleased committee today concurred in the idea and that possible funding would come from the new innovation fund." 

There is no information yet on what parts of the city will be targeted or when the cameras will be installed.

Last week, Coun. Ross Eadie and Sharma tabled a motion at the regular council meeting to have the city look into the cost of implementing a two-year program.

Both said illegal dumping is on the rise and charges against those who do it are extremely difficult to lay without visual evidence.