Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca plans to ask the council for $350,000 from its 2026 budget to invest in “crime-fighting” technology after a summer filled with violent incidents in the York Region city.
The funding would go towards purchasing up to 10 new closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and a type of technology designed to detect gunshots, according to Del Duca.
Each camera costs $23,000, totaling $230,000, while the gunshot detection system comes in at $120,000. If approved, Vaughan will have a total of 25 CCTV cameras throughout the city.
Del Duca shared with reporters during a news conference on Tuesday that rising crime is the top concern among residents.
The “crime-fighting” CCTV cameras will be monitored by York Regional Police (YRP) and utilize automated licence plate recognition (ALPR) technology that captures licence plate numbers from stolen vehicles.
“These two additional elements, the technology, will go a long way, we believe, to helping to support YRP’s determination to make sure that the criminals who have been victimizing too many of our residents these last number of months are captured and are put behind bars where they belong,” Del Duca said.
Police have already pinpointed six locations for installing the extra CCTV cameras.
Later on Tuesday, Del Duca mentioned he would send a letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford requesting ALPR software be added to current cameras along Highway 407 as part of efforts against crime.
“We know that Highway 407 is a major gateway and getaway opportunity for the criminals that are stealing vehicles in our community,” Del Duca said.
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Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca says the number one concern he hears from residents is rising crime. (Dale Manucdoc/CBC)
YRP Deputy Chief Paulo Da Silva explained that gunshot detection technology would be strategically placed in certain areas and would alert police immediately when shots are fired-eliminating delays typically caused by waiting for 911 calls.
This system uses sensors capable of accurately identifying actual gunfire sounds.
“<So instead of waiting for a 911 call that we know we typically have to wait for]," Da Silva noted. "The gunshot detection system allows us to respond much quicker and we get it immediately versus a third-party calling us in."</klyu
A news release indicated that Del Duca and Jackson plan on presenting a joint members’ resolution during council’s Oct. 21 committee meeting seeking funding approval.)If approved by council,a first set of six CCTV cameras will be installed at locations identified by police:Highway 427 and Major Mackenzie Drive.
Highway 27 and Highway 7.
Weston Road and Rutherford Road.
Weston Road and Major Mackenzie Drive.
Keele Street and Highway 7.
Bathurst Street and Highway 7.
An official statement released on Tuesday included comments from Hannah Jensen spokesperson for Premier Doug Ford saying: ”Our government will continue taking bold action so municipalities and world-class police services have what they need for community safety.”/“As Premier Ford mentioned just over a week ago,” she continued “this involves considering expanding programs like CCTV or collaborating with them on repurposing existing infrastructure aimed at tackling violent crimes such as car thefts or home invasions.”
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CCTV Cameras Are Effective, Says Deputy Mayor
Vaughan Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson noted that the existing CCTV program has proven effective-especially along Jane Street near Canada’s Wonderland. “We’ve had nothing but problems in that corridor for the last number of years. This past year, with the cameras in place, I can’t recall one significant violent incident,” Jackson stated. According to data from May 2024 to May 2025, violent crime dropped by six percent within one kilometre of CCTV installations.Highway 27 and Highway 7.
Weston Road and Rutherford Road.
Weston Road and Major Mackenzie Drive.
Keele Street and Highway 7.
Bathurst Street and Highway 7.
An official statement released on Tuesday included comments from Hannah Jensen spokesperson for Premier Doug Ford saying: ”Our government will continue taking bold action so municipalities and world-class police services have what they need for community safety.”/“As Premier Ford mentioned just over a week ago,” she continued “this involves considering expanding programs like CCTV or collaborating with them on repurposing existing infrastructure aimed at tackling violent crimes such as car thefts or home invasions.”
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