'No Filming' Signs at Grand Ave E. Encampment Site

Signs have been erected at the encampment location at the PUC on Grand Ave that asks for no unauthorized audio or video recording. There have been numerous videos taken and posted on social media that are quite intrusive to the individuals sheltering outdoors, with some recordings even entering people’s tents to showcase their belongings and space.

Since this is a municipal property, and these encampment occupants are residents using that property pursuant to CK’s obligation to permit them to shelter there, just like other municipal spaces/facilities, it is reasonable that encampment occupants also have some basic reasonable expectations of privacy within the confines of their own tents. These signs are efforts to put measures in place to prevent unlawful audio or video recording in these spaces. Individuals at the encampment have asked for assistance in protecting their privacy from further discrimination and harassment.

With all of this in view, following complaints received raising privacy concerns for encampment residents whose interior shelter areas were being broadcasted on social media without their permission, signage was erected to discourage this type of recording in areas where individuals are sleeping/sheltering. This is entirely lawful and does not breach the Charter rights of members of the public visiting or using municipal park spaces. Similar signage and messaging to the public is commonly used in other areas where individuals likewise have a reasonable expectation of privacy (ex. changing areas, public washrooms).

Finally, and in terms of clarification for concerned members of the public, administration recognizes the public has an interest in capturing photos and videos in parks and recreational spaces – whether as a hobby, capturing memories, or simply as part of their use and enjoyment of municipal recreational spaces. The signage does not prohibit individuals from taking photos or videos in municipal parks within general recreational areas.

In addition, By-law officers will be sworn in at Council on Monday, September 22, 2025. Training of those officers is happening this week.

Recognizing that there are infractions to be enforced, ROCK has been working with individuals all week to ensure understanding and encouraging compliance of the protocols. A team comprised of ROCK, Housing Services staff, and Police will be attending the encampment on September 19 to assist individuals in making their space compliant.