City provides clarification on Respectful Spaces Bylaw amendments

STATEMENT - Distributed July 30, 2025 10:30 AM

Recent changes to the Respectful Spaces Bylaw, which were adopted by Council on April 7, 2025, do not restrict or prohibit taking pictures or videos in City parks, trails or outdoor public spaces. Misinformation about the bylaw amendments has been circulating and the City wishes to reassure members of the public that there is no ban on taking photographs or video in all public spaces.

The Respectful Spaces Bylaw enables the City to post policies and a code of conduct regarding the use of facilities and equipment so that everyone using and working within the facility is treated with respect, courtesy, fairness and equality in a safe and harassment free workplace. The codes of conduct within City facilities may, where necessary, include restrictions on the use of recording devices. As an example, recording is prohibited in washrooms and changerooms in City recreation facilities. Certain City facilities have a posted code of conduct that prohibits recording of staff via electronic devices. Unfortunately, this was a necessary measure due to instances of individuals confronting staff and recording them in an intimidating manner.

To reiterate, there are no public codes of conduct that restrict taking photographs or recording video in City parks or trails or outdoor public spaces, and there is no restriction to the use of recording devices in those areas pursuant to Bylaw 7381.

The City has also adopted changes to the Council Procedure Bylaw. As Council and Committee meetings of Council are live-streamed on the City’s website, Council meetings are broadcast on Shaw/Rogers TV, and the recordings are posted and available on the City’s website, individuals are prohibited from making their own recordings or photographing Council and Committee proceedings unless the Chair has authorized photographs or videos being taken. The Chair has issued exemptions for members of the media, and a Media Accreditation Policy outlining the criteria and process allowing for accredited media to use electronic devices, was endorsed at the July 28, 2025 Council meeting.

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