This project, scheduled for completion in December, is notable for several reasons:

• Official Motivation: Although the Borough indicates there is "no particular issue of criminality" in the park, the work aims to address the "feeling of insecurity" expressed by some residents and to protect facilities against vandalism and criminal activity.

• Technological Framework: The cameras will not be subject to live monitoring, a crucial aspect for privacy concerns. The recordings will be accessible to the Borough's IT team only "in the event of an incident," following the city's standard protocol.

• Urban Context: The initiative is part of the City of Montreal's Inclusive and Resilient Neighbourhoods (QIR) project, which aims to improve the quality of life in areas with the highest urban vulnerabilities.The Deployment of Surveillance and Lighting Infrastructure on the Island of Montreal

The Kirkland Park project is not an isolated case but part of a broader movement on the island that uses connected infrastructure for urban security and efficiency:

1. The Smart Lighting Wave (LED)

The modernization of public lighting is a massive initiative across the metropolis.

Since 2017, the City of Montreal has been replacing its 250,000 luminaires with smartly managed LED models.

• Objectives: To achieve significant energy savings (estimated at 50%) and maintenance reductions, and to allow remote control of light intensity.

• Impact: This new communication network serves as a foundation for integrating future smart services, including potentially hosting sensors or cameras later on, making lighting improvement a strategic initiative for "smart cities."

2. SPVM's Camera Network Expansion in Parks

Beyond Borough-level initiatives like Lachine's, the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) has actively strengthened its network of urban security cameras, often in response to increased concerns about gun violence.

• Targets and Deployment: New cameras have been added in several neighbourhoods, notably in the northeast of the island (an epicentre of gun violence) and in certain parks.

SPVM or Borough cameras are already found in locations such as François-Perrault Park (Saint- Michel) and planned installations in spaces like Nelson-Mandela Park (Côte-des-Neiges) and Parc des Roseraies (Anjou).

Lachine's investment in Kirkland Park thus symbolizes a convergence: the use of physical (LED lighting) and digital (360° cameras) infrastructure to enhance perceived safety, all while aligning with Montreal's broader strategy for developing connected infrastructure.