What started as a pilot project to deter crime in downtown Penticton will soon become a city-wide initiative.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20, Penticton City Council threw its support behind expanding a public safety program that would see 18 monitored cameras installed outside businesses across the community.

Following a presentation from the Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association (DPBIA), municipal politicians unanimously voted to include $150,000 in the city's budget for the initiative.

The DPBIA's camera program started as an 18-month pilot project in 2021, following a $40,000 investment from the city. Ten cameras were installed in "critical downtown areas" at the time, according to the group.

"Since the program's inception, the downtown has seen a tremendous improvement," said Brett Turner, executive director of the DPBIA. "But we're also seeing our neighbours to the direct south in the midtown area are experiencing very intense levels of activity, and it's really affecting the businesses there."

The group says it hopes to have the new cameras in place by April.

Where they will be installed remains unknown. However, Turner said the industrial area, and locations near McDonald's and White Spot could potentially see more attention.

"To date, we have loosely mapped out areas where we think could be beneficial," the group's executive director told council, adding that they want to form a committee made up stakeholders like RCMP and bylaw to guide where the cameras will go.

After the expansion, a total of 33 monitored cameras will be part of the city-wide program.

Council's approved funding will be included in the city's budget for 2025 and 2026.