The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) have entered into Ontario's first agreement of its kind, enabling the deployment of CCTV cameras equipped with Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology on provincial highways in Waterloo Region to help deter, detect, and investigate serious criminal activity.

As a growing region connected to the Highway 401 corridor, Waterloo Region is impacted by organized crime that extends beyond its boundaries, including offenders who travel to the Region to target residents, businesses, and property. CCTV with ALPR technology has proven to be a valuable crime suppression tool, helping to deter and detect criminal activity while supporting investigations by providing reliable evidence to police.

“On behalf of WRPS, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Government of Ontario for this partnership as it represents an important public safety alliance,” said Chief of Police Mark Crowell. “As criminal networks become more advanced, the Waterloo Regional Police Service is proud to be a provincial leader regarding the responsible use of technology to combat serious illegal activity.”

From January 1 to September 11, 2026, WRPS’ In-Cruiser ALPR program alerted officers to 7,749 licence plates of interest to police, including plates associated with stolen vehicles, stolen licence plates, wanted persons, and active criminal investigations. These alerts contributed to 75 vehicle recoveries, 94 arrests, and 77 charges.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by using every tool in our toolbox to crack down on criminals who threaten the safety and security of our communities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “By partnering with WRPS, our government is demonstrating our commitment to tackling criminal activity, holding bad actors accountable, supporting police services and keeping Ontarians safe.”

The new partnership builds on WRPS’ existing CCTV program and will be implemented with a strong focus on privacy, accountability, and legal compliance. WRPS met with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) during the development of its CCTV program and completed a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) outlining how personal information is collected, used, protected, retained, and destroyed. The exact number and locations of cameras on provincial highways have not yet been determined and will be publicly available once the cameras are operational.

“As sophisticated criminal organizations continue to evolve, our police services need modern tools and technology to stay one step ahead,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through our CCTV Grant Program, our government is making targeted investments that help police detect criminal activity, strengthen investigations, and keep dangerous offenders off our streets. This innovative partnership builds on those investments and is another example of how we are protecting Ontario by giving police the tools they need to protect our communities.”

The collection, use, and disclosure of information through the program will be conducted in accordance with applicable legislation, including the Criminal Code, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Footage will only be accessed for legitimate law-enforcement purposes, and video not required for an investigation will be automatically deleted after 30 days.

"Our government is cracking down on car theft,” said Honourable Mike Harris Jr., MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga. “Stolen vehicles leave families stranded and fuel organized crime. This agreement with the Ministry of Transportation allows WRPS to install automated licence plate recognition cameras on provincial highways, helping officers identify stolen vehicles quickly and hold the perpetrators accountable who are often coming from outside the Region. We are delivering on our commitments under the Protecting Ontario's Streets and Communities Act, 2026 to keep Ontario and Waterloo Region safe."

In 2025, as part of the Guns, Gangs, and Violence Reduction Strategy, the Government of Ontario awarded WRPS $100,000 in funding to establish a CCTV program. Launched in June 2026, the CCTV and ALPR systems are now operational in Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, and the Township of North Dumfries.

Click here for more information about CCTV and ALPR systems.