Aug 27, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Kristen Calis

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PICKERING -- Mario Giorgio has spent more time enjoying his popular restaurant this summer and less time worrying about stolen furniture and vandalism in and around the Pickering waterfront hot spot.

"We used to have serious problems with kids partying down at the beach," he said from his restaurant and patio, The Waterfront Bistro, on the foot of Liverpool Road.

"Last year, every weekend we would anticipate well over 100 kids coming down."

But after hearing constant concerns from residents and business owners around Millennium Square, Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean put his foot down. The City, upon his suggestion, installed surveillance cameras at the local draw in July and the vandalism has stopped for the most part.

"It has changed immensely," Mr. Giorgio said.

The City hired a private company for the trial project. Pickering also installed signs in the area to let people know they're being watched, which in itself has probably cut the amount of vandalism and partying, Coun. McLean said. Word of mouth is another factor.

Some of the youths who still commit acts of vandalism have been caught in the act, he said.

"I think it's too bad we have to go that route but I think we have to protect the taxpayer from unnecessary expenditures caused by vandalism," he said.

The service currently costs $2,000 per month and will decrease to $1,500 in October. After a six-month trial is complete, the City will decide if the service is worthwhile to keep. The company monitors the cameras 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Coun. McLean said.

"This experiment has proven very well," he said. "It's paid for itself."

He added, in the past, the City has doled out thousands of dollars in staff time to clean up messes such as knocked-down planters, graffiti and broken beer bottles.

The cameras and signs will also limit unsafe conditions, such as broken beer bottles where kids play, and can even help deter other possible acts of violence, Coun. McLean said. Also, it should be quieter for local residents.

While some municipalities hire security guards, Coun. McLean believes this route is less expensive and more effective since the cameras are always on.

Mr. Giorgio pointed out that Millennium Square is a popular, thriving area that attracts people from all across the GTA and said it's painful to see such a beautiful area being vandalized. He feels the cameras have been crucial in stopping it.

"It's been actually quite nice not having to worry about it," he said.

When the 2010 budget is discussed, and if the project continues to be successful, Coun. McLean hopes other areas, such as Kinsmen Park, will get cameras too.