Fortification bylaw would be costly
A fortification bylaw to prevent people from using security cameras in intrusive and potentially illegal ways would be costly, Welland city council heard Tuesday night.
City staff presented a report on the issue, first raised by Ward 6 Coun. Jim Larouche in April. At the time, Larouche said he’d received calls about “unfriendly neighbour situations” where personal security cameras have been aimed into living rooms and bedrooms of next- door neighbours.
Erik Nickel, Welland’s acting general manager of infrastructure services, said fortification bylaws are a way for municipalities to regulate the types of security and security devices that protect residences and businesses. Those devices, he said, could include fencing, barricades, barbwire and security cameras.
Any fortification bylaw put in place in the city would restrict the types of items Welland residents and businesses could use and place.
“The issue is to deal with home security cameras pointing at areas other than their homes. The bylaw does not have the mechanics to deal with those specific issues,” said Nickel.
He said the city is aware many people in the community have cameras to protect their property and that a fortification bylaw would put everyone in non- compliance.
“People would have to come to the city and prove they need them on a case- by- case basis,” Nickel said, adding it would be costly on the administrative and financial side of city business.
A report from city building official Jack Tosta said staff would be responsible for the administration and enforcement of fortification bylaws, would be tasked with investigating complaints, and commencing enforcement proceedings until compliance was achieved. It said enforcement would be generated from complaints filed with the city.
Staff, the report said, would be required to establish and maintain a database of non- compliant properties or properties were exemptions were granted.
“In certain situations, additional resources may be required to ensure the safety of staff attending to complaints,” Tosta’s report said.
Nickel said only four complaints have been received about cameras pointing at areas where they shouldn’t be — and that Niagara Regional Police are aware.
“Police would investigate these under privacy laws under the Criminal Code,” he said, adding police have no concerns over the small number of complaints received.
Larouche said any residents with concerns over security cameras pointing at their property can contact him or police.