The City of Richmond has been directed to remove its new traffic surveillance cameras installed at the Granville Avenue and Minoru Boulevard intersection, erase all recorded footage, and cease gathering personal data. This action follows a ruling by B.C.’s privacy watchdog, which determined that the city’s program was in violation of provincial regulations.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of British Columbia, Michael Harvey, emphasized that the city lacked the legal mandate to use the high-resolution cameras for law enforcement purposes. Harvey highlighted that law enforcement responsibilities belong to the police, and any public entity can only collect personal information if explicitly authorized by the law.
Initially approved by the Richmond city council in 2024 as part of a $2.5 million pilot project, the surveillance cameras were intended to enhance police operations by capturing detailed video footage using cutting-edge technology capable of identifying faces, license plates, and vehicles.
The Commissioner instructed Richmond to halt the project and demonstrate compliance by February 26, following the city’s reluctance to adhere to a previous request. Criticism was also directed at Richmond for inadequate public notification regarding the purpose and authority behind the data collection process, with signage at intersections being deemed insufficient.
City councillor Michael Wolfe, who opposed the program from its inception, expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the surveillance and its effectiveness. Wolfe emphasized the need for public accountability and raised broader privacy issues associated with advanced surveillance tools.
While Mayor Malcolm Brodie remains supportive of the surveillance cameras and plans to seek council approval for an appeal, concerns persist regarding privacy implications and the necessity of such extensive surveillance in public spaces.