By: Surjit Singh Flora
The City of Brampton is enhancing public safety by installing 360-degree cameras and license plate recognition technology at 50 traffic intersections. This innovative initiative will provide Peel Regional Police and other law enforcement agencies with critical data to investigate crimes and improve community safety.
Real-time video footage from these cameras will be captured on a software platform offering police valuable data, such as:
• Incident date and time
• license plate numbers
• Vehicle details, such as the make, model, and colour
These cameras and their footage serve as an important crime prevention and investigative tool, enhancing Peel Regional Police’s ability to address traffic-related crime and respond to community safety concerns more efficiently. To date, 19 intersections are now equipped with 360-degree cameras, with installations at the remaining locations underway. All cameras are anticipated to be installed and operational by the end of this year.
These cameras will not issue tickets. Their primary function is to support public safety by assisting law enforcement agencies in investigating crimes, traffic incidents, and other safety concerns.
The city selected Genetec Inc., a Canadian leader in security technology, to supply video management and license plate reader cameras. Axis Communications, a Swedish company and global leader in camera technology, will provide the 360-degree cameras.
Brampton is committed to equipping law enforcement with the resources necessary to ensure the safety and security of residents. During the 2025 budget process, residents overwhelmingly voiced that community safety is their top concern, and in response, the City has prioritized investments in cutting-edge technology to make Brampton the safest place to call home.
Brampton is leading the way in Canada by being the first Canadian municipality to apply this groundbreaking technology in this way. This investment reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to improve the quality of life for residents.
“The footage captured by these cameras plays a crucial role in crime prevention and investigation, significantly improving Peel Regional Police’s capacity to tackle traffic-related offences and address community safety issues more effectively,” the city’s release stated.
As of now, 19 intersections have been outfitted with 360-degree cameras, and installations at the other sites are currently in progress. It is expected that all cameras will be installed and fully operational by the conclusion of this year.
The implementation of license plate recognition technology is not a recent development in Brampton and the Peel Region, as all Peel police cruisers are already outfitted with license plate readers.
In recent years, the city has progressively adopted camera technology on the roads of Brampton, deploying 200 photo radar cameras throughout the area. Additionally, cameras have been installed on Highway 410 and Highway 403, functioning as both traffic monitoring devices and investigative resources for the Peel police.
“It is crucial for us to utilize technology in a responsible manner, one that is informed by the community and tailored to meet the specific needs of those communities,” stated Peel police deputy chief Anthony Odoardi during a press briefing. “This represents a significant shift concerning criminal activity in public spaces.”
The city anticipates that the installation of new cameras, amounting to $11.4 million, will contribute to a decrease in crime by facilitating the apprehension of offenders and acting as a deterrent.
“I am pleased to share this announcement with everyone.” “I want those involved in organized crime to be aware that if they choose to operate in Brampton, they will inevitably face consequences,” Brown stated.
While Mayor Patrick Brown said, “Too many victims and families have suffered heartbreak at the hands of criminals, and enough is enough. Residents made it clear through the 2025 budget process that they want to see action from the city to address community safety, and we are delivering. By investing in cutting-edge technology, we are giving law enforcement the tools they need to track down offenders and hold them accountable. This is a major expansion of police investigative tools, making Brampton the worst place in Canada to commit a crime. It is a game changer in protecting our community and sends a message to criminals that if you commit a crime in Brampton, you will be caught.
Harkirat Singh, Deputy Mayor and City Councillor, Wards 9 & 10, added, “Community safety is our top priority, and we are proud to deliver on that commitment by supporting local law enforcement. This investment in advanced technology not only strengthens Peel Regional Police’s ability to prevent and solve crimes but also reinforces our commitment to fostering technological innovation in our community.
And Michael Palleschi, Regional Councillor, Wards 2 & 6; Chair, Community Safety Advisory Committee, City of Brampton, said, “This initiative marks a significant advancement in modernizing Brampton’s public safety infrastructure. With this technology, we are enhancing security and strengthening Peel Regional Police’s ability to prevent and respond to crime more effectively. I want to acknowledge the dedication of City staff, whose hard work and expertise have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Their efforts ensure that Brampton remains at the forefront of public safety innovation.”
For more information about the project, visit brampton.ca/roadsafety.
While Deputy Chief Anthony Odoardi of Peel Regional Police said, “Peel Regional Police is committed to utilizing new innovations and technologies to better support the critical work of our officers and enhance public safety. This welcomed investment by the City of Brampton will provide our service with increased access to data, improving our ability to investigate and respond to traffic-related crimes and safety concerns. By working together, we will continue to strengthen our efforts in keeping our communities safe.
