ANTIGONISH - Cameras will soon be keeping tabs on crime in Antigonish.

Council voted Monday night to install a video surveillance system in the downtown business district.

"There's no more vandalism in this town than in any other town," said Mayor Kay Chisholm.

But council had previously discussed how to prevent isolated vandalism that results in expensive repairs, Ms. Chisholm said.

Antigonish has a population of about 5,000, which almost doubles every fall with the arrival of St. Francis Xavier University students. The surveillance system, which will be monitored by police, is meant to help Antigonish's RCMP detachment focus on more serious issues than broken windows and stolen or damaged signs, the mayor said.

Deputy Mayor Jack Sullivan voted against the move, arguing that video surveillance is an invasion of privacy.

Specific camera locations have not been chosen, but at least one will likely be aimed at Main Street, Ms. Chisholm said.

Two companies are bidding to supply the system, which is expected to cost up to $10,000. It should be in place by early 2004.