Surveillance Cameras in the Downtown Core

January 2, 2014

Within the 2013-2017 Corporate Strategic Plan, Fernie City Council identified four strategic focus areas / goals:

  1. Strengthen the economy;
  2. Enhance corporate communications and public engagement;
  3. Enhance community well-being and municipal infrastructure; and
  4. Enhance customer service.

Each of the above goals included corresponding objectives and action plans set by City Council. Surveillance Cameras in the Downtown Core was included in the 2013 Action Plan under Goal #3.

Video surveillance is one of many tools used by public bodies to ensure the security of individuals, assets and property. As a public body, the City of Fernie must exercise a high degree of care when using video surveillance technology in order to protect the privacy of individuals who visit or work at monitored sites. The Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia has published Guidelines for video surveillance in the public sector to assist public bodies in deciding whether collection of personal information by means of a video, audio or other mechanical or electronic surveillance system is both lawful and justifiable as a policy choice and, if so, how privacy protection measures should be built into the system.

We ask that you please take a few minutes to complete our SURVEY. This survey shall remain open until 9:00AM on Monday, January 6, 2014. Results will be formally presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, January 13, 2014.

For more information on the use of video surveillance technologies or protection of privacy, please view:

Your input is important to us!