Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy is looking at adding more cameras to the city’s downtown.
Boddy is asking the City Manager to work with police and report back to council with a plan to install more closed-circuit cameras in the city’s downtown.
This comes as police continue to investigate the homicide of 44-year-old Sharif Rahman, who died in a London hospital this month after being assaulted by three males outside his restaurant The Curry House on 2nd Ave. E.
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Sharif Rahman, The Curry House Owner Passes
- Images Of Suspects In Owen Sound Assault On Restaurant Owner
Police have appealed to the community for any relevant video footage they might have from security cameras and dash cameras. They’ve also released images of the suspects and an associated vehicle, but the licence plate isn’t visible in the footage and the suspects are only shown from behind.
A City release says, “Mayor Boddy met with Chief of Police Craig Ambrose to discuss the investigation, ongoing crime prevention throughout the City, and specific actions for the City to explore that could provide enhanced safety for everyone visiting, shopping, and working in the River District.”
Boddy tells Bayshore Broadcasting News there are already traffic cameras at some intersections.
He explains, “The City has looked at putting cameras downtown a couple of times over the past 15 years.”
He adds, “Each time there was an outcry about the protection of people’s privacy so it was turned down…but it’s something that we’ve been looking at again recently, even before this event and are considering in the budget cycle.”
Staff haven’t completed the requested report yet, but options may include creating opportunities for businesses or other properties in the downtown to install cameras, or for the City to install its own system.
Meanwhile, Boddy is also requesting the city manager look at other opportunities that might increase safety in the downtown.
The City release also outlines other crime reduction initiatives in Owen Sound, noting the police service recently applied for a grant to increase police presence in the city. They already do foot and bike patrol.
The OPP are helping Owen Sound Police in their investigation into Rahman’s death, and the City states, “They are following every lead and evaluating all evidence that could lead to the arrest of the individuals involved. They have asked for everyone’s patience as they do this work to protect the investigation’s integrity.”
Boddy says he believes a staff report on the possible installation of more cameras will come back to council within a month.
The City’s statement says, “City Council is confident in our Police Services’ ability to bring those involved to justice. Earlier this summer, Owen Sound Police worked overtime with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police, investigating two different homicides, and these efforts have now led to charges being laid and the arrest of individuals in both cases.”
On July 7th, the body of 47 year old Terry Albert Hull of Toronto was found in a 2nd Ave. E. house. Two people have been charged in relation to the case.
On July 11th, one person was killed in a shooting at a 6th Ave. W. apartment. Two suspects have been arrested and charged with first degree murder. Police called it a targeted killing.
You can read the latest City statement below:
It has been a painful few weeks for our entire city. Mayor Boddy recently met with Chief of Police Craig Ambrose to discuss enhanced safety for everyone visiting, shopping, and working in the River District.
To read the media advisory, click here: https://t.co/P2rdjeg2fm pic.twitter.com/tXLgvASEmp
— City of Owen Sound (@CityOwenSound) August 30, 2023
