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Friday, June 12, 2026

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Virden adopts security camera policy
By Anne Davison

Senseless vandalism in public areas such as new bathrooms at Virden’s Victoria Park, has triggered council to take action.

Installation of security cameras has been discussed over recent months and now security cameras will be installed in the Town. At the June 2nd public meeting of Town of Virden Council a Security Camera Policy was established, providing guidelines for the use, management and monitoring of surveillance cameras on municipal property.

Cameras will be installed in Victoria Park and at municipal buildings as a theft deterrent says Chief Administrative Officer Neil Smith. However, Smith adds, “The arena (TOGP) is going to be tackled under a separate project in the near future.”

The policy covers Town-owned and operated security cameras located at municipal buildings, public facilities, parks, recreation facilities, and anywhere surveillance is considered reasonably necessary.

Mayor Tina Williams explained the funding had RCMP support. “We got this money through the criminal forfeiture fund.” The mayor added, “Virden RCMP detachment applied for it on our behalf.” (This is a reference to property gained through criminal actions that’s confiscated and its value can then become part of crime prevention.)

Williams pointed out that the Victoria Park bathrooms were installed as part of the Strategic Plan to enhance downtown Virden with funds for this park modernization granted to the Town. The bathrooms s are important for town functions like the community wide BBQ held in August – really, for everyone who enjoys the park.

The cameras are intended to enhance public safety, protect municipal assets, support investigations and help maintain a safe

environment for residents, staff and visitors.

Surveillance must balance security needs with individual privacy rights and comply with Manitoba's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

“You have to create good policies when installing public security cameras,” said Williams. For instance, viewing will be limited to one or possibly two senior Town staff with access to a secure computer. The RCMP would need a warrant to be able to view recorded material

The policy states that cameras are prohibited where people have a heightened expectation of privacy, including washrooms, change rooms, staff break rooms and most private offices or medical treatment areas. And, audio recording will not be permitted unless specifically authorized by law and approved by the CAO.

The camera whereabouts will not be a secret. Signage at monitored locations will inform the public that surveillance cameras are in use and will provide contact information for municipal administration.

The policy also includes provisions to protect personal information and maintain confidentiality. Routine surveillance footage will generally be retained for 30 days before being securely deleted unless it is required for an investigation, legal matter or other legislative purpose.

Eventually cameras will also be installed in the sports complex (TOGP) but that will be a Town budget item. In anticipation of that, and to save costs, the wiring is being installed while other work is being done within the complex.