Our Story
Our Story
Born in North Bay. Built for Downtowns.
Supporting North Bay
Born in North Bay. Built for Downtowns.
Beacon began with a simple idea: what if downtown safety worked like a network, shared, connected, and powered by the people who care most about the community?
In 2024, our team launched The Beacon Community Network in partnership with local organizations across downtown North Bay. We saw the need for something different, something that didn’t rely on more enforcement, more isolation, or more expensive infrastructure. Instead, we built a system grounded in trust, participation, and practical technology.
WHO IS BEACON?
We’re Grass Roots. That Matters.
Beacon launched as a local initiative in North Bay. We walk the sidewalks, know the people and participate in the day-to-day. We’ve seen the challenges and believe in the future of this downtown. That’s why we built a community safety initiative. And now we’re bringing it to towns and cities like ours, all over Ontario.
Our team brings experience in urban innovation, community development, and public safety, but more importantly, we bring relationships. Beacon only works because we’ve spent time listening, learning, and building alongside our neighbors.
We Believe in Business Improvement Areas and Big Ideas.
Beacon was created for North Bay, but it was designed to scale.
We know that downtown cores across Ontario are facing similar challenges: how to protect public spaces, support local businesses, and make community feel safe again.
Our vision is to bring the Beacon model to other small and mid-sized communities, always in participation with the people who live and work there.
This isn’t just a product. It’s a commitment to better downtowns, starting right here, and growing outward.
Vision
A world-class downtown waterfront and prosperity for all.
Mission
To make downtowns safer, more connected, and more resilient by giving communities the tools to work together. Beacon is designed to scale across small and mid-sized communities, starting with a successful launch in North Bay. Each implementation is shaped by local needs, values, and priorities, because no two communities are exactly the same.
Goals
- 350 Cameras – Fully integrated Downtown Waterfront (DTW) Coverage by the end of 2025.
- Boost public awareness and perceptions of safety.
- Coordinate non-emergency responses.
Community Metrics at a Glance
The human element
What's our secret? Great people.
The Beacon Community Network is made up of motivated and experienced people to drive change in communities across Ontario.
Leadership Team
Executive Officers (voting)
Jamie Peters
Chair and President
Brannyn Hale
Vice-Chair
Rod Bilz
Secretary/Treasurer and Director, Operations
Beacon Advisory Officers (non-voting)
Advisory Officer
Public Safety & Emergency Services
Advisory Officer
Business & Strategic Partnerships
Advisory Officer
First Nations & Indigenous Engagement
Advisory Officer
Community Safety & Outreach
Advisory Officer
Health Systems & Well Being
Ready to Join the Beacon Network?
The more organizations who participate, the stronger Beacon becomes for everyone. Your involvement helps build a safer, more vibrant downtown.