Victoria Police deploy security cameras ahead of Pride Parade, will remain in place for Canada Day celebrations

Victoria Police have deployed CCTV cameras in some parts of downtown as Victoria celebrates this year’s Pride Parade Sunday.

The cameras are in support of operations to ensure public safety during the parade and are in accordance with provincial and federal privacy law, police said Thursday in a news release.

“The temporary, monitored CCTV cameras help us keep those participating in the Pride Parade safe by assisting our efforts to control traffic and keep the parade route clear, and also by allowing us to respond to any potential public safety incidents in a timely manner.”

Given recent incidents targeting public gatherings around the world and recent investigations locally into phone calls targeting a drag event in Victoria, officers say both the use of these cameras and officers’ attendance are part of Vic PD’s duty to ensure that everyone can celebrate a safe, happy and joyful event.

The cameras will be deactivated, but will remain in place until Canada Day festivities come to a close. Temporary signs are posted in the area to ensure people are aware.

This years’ Pride Parade features a new route that extends from the local traffic only marshalling area at Esquimalt and Kimta roads to full closures along Esquimalt Road across the Johnson Street Bridge, Wharf Street to Belleville Street, to Menzies Street to Superior Street and then down Oswego Street to Macdonald Park.

The road closures start just prior to 10a.m. and are expected to last until just before noon.

Editorial Policies Report an Error