Cambridge councillor concerned about ‘hidden cost’ of doing business in city

A Cambridge councillor is raising concerns with ongoing copper thefts. CTV’s Spencer Turcotte explains why she says some of the cost is falling on taxpayers.

A Cambridge city councillor is raising concerns about what she calls the “hidden cost” of doing business after a photo surfaced showing piles of stripped wires, extension cords and cables left in a wooded area.

Ward 1 Councillor Helen Shwery shared the photo online after it was taken by a resident. She said it highlights the ongoing impact of copper thefts on local businesses and taxpayers.

The image represents a case of déjà vu for Shwery.

“I’ve seen it before. I’ve seen the piles on Beaverdale Road under the overpass there in the summer. I’ve been to different ones. This one is just kind of enough is enough,” Shwery said.

She said businesses in her ward are frequently dealing with theft, adding that the cost extends beyond the value of the copper itself.

“The cost of the damage is so upsetting. The copper wire — there’s a small cost to that. But it’s the other damage that is incurred when the thefts occur,” she said.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service said they have received about nine reports of copper-related wire thefts in Cambridge and North Dumfries Township so far in 2026. But police noted that the surrounding area saw 25 per cent fewer copper wire thefts in the first three months of 2026 compared to the final three months of 2025.

“Theft of wire, scrap metal, cabling, etc. remains an ongoing concern across Waterloo Region, provincially and nationally. The items are often resold on the black market,” a police spokesperson said in an email.

Shwery said safety is also a concern when materials are stolen, particularly when businesses store hazardous items outdoors.

“When there are groups [and] businesses that have the propane tanks outside, [if] one explodes, that could cause a lot of damage,” she said.

Following the discovery of the stripped wires and other debris, the city hired a crew to clean up the mess.

“There could be needles, there could be other hazardous items. So we do hire outside and I would say it’s the taxpayers paying for that,” she said.

Shwery said she shared the photo to show residents that copper theft affects more than just the businesses targeted.

She is also planning a town hall meeting at Four Fathers Brewing in Cambridge on April 30 to hear concerns from businesses and residents affected by theft.