City officials are considering creating guidelines for residents who have security cameras at home. The goal is to balance privacy rights with the need for security. The proposal, which will be discussed at a city council meeting, aims to provide recommendations rather than enforce a bylaw.
“Home cameras are everywhere these days,” staff noted in a report. While municipalities have the power to regulate security cameras, it can be tricky to find the right balance between privacy and security. The report suggests that any restrictions on security measures should be minimal and allow for reasonable protection.
The recommendation for guidelines comes as part of a routine review of city bylaws. The focus is on ensuring that existing rules meet the needs of residents. The guidelines would likely specify where cameras can be placed and what they can capture, with a focus on public areas rather than private property.
Enforcement could be challenging, as the view of a camera may not always be clear. This could require officers to access footage from a resident’s camera to determine if any rules were broken. Overall, the goal is to provide clarity for residents while respecting their right to security.