CCTV cameras

About public safety (CCTV) cameras for FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver

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  How will the camera system be used

  The system helps City staff, event partners, and first responders: 

  • Assist with managing restricted areas and event operations
  • Coordinate emergency and medical response
  • Monitor crowd movement and safety risks  
  • Support post incident review where required 

  Note The cameras are not used  to identify or track individuals. No facial recognition technology is used. 

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  Privacy and data protection

  Protecting privacy is central to the CCTV program’s design and operation. In accordance with BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA): 

  • The system will be active for the duration of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver from June 7 to July 19, 2026. After that, cameras will be turned off, and the temporary network will be fully decommissioned.  
  • Only authorized personnel may access footage, and all access is logged. 
  • Data is retained only for defined operational purposes and is securely deleted according to strict retention schedules. 
  • Data resides solely in Canada and does not transfer over international borders. 
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  Where cameras will be used

  Cameras will operate only in specific FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver locations and routes identified on the map, including:

  • Killarney venue specific training site  
  • UBC National Soccer Development Centre  
  • PNE/Hastings Park (FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver site)  
  • Match day spectator route to BC Place Vancouver  
  • Select downtown hotel areas  
  • Entertainment districts, including Granville Street and Commercial Drive

  These areas are expected to host the highest concentrations of spectators, visitors, and operational activity. 

  View FIFA CCTV zone map
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  How many cameras will be installed

  Approximately 200 temporary CCTV cameras will support operations across these event related locations. 

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  Who governs the camera system

  The CCTV program is jointly governed by the City and Vancouver Police Department (VPD) under a Common Program Agreement. Note The City and the VPD are the only organizations with authority over the system.

  Other emergency and operational partners may view information only when necessary and cannot retain footage without authorization. 

  After the tournament, cameras will be turned off immediately and the temporary network will be removed and decommissioned.  

  Learn more about FIFA

  • FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver External website, opens in new tab  
  • Follow updates on social media: @FWC26Vancouver

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  Types of cameras: policies and procedures

  • CCTV Systems Policy PDF file (262 KB) - It makes sure that our use of CCTV systems appropriately respects privacy and complies with our Privacy Policy and the law.
  • Procedure: Traffic CCTV Systems PDF file (262 KB)  - These systems collect data for traffic counts or to monitor traffic patterns and don't collect personal information. Traffic cameras are located at many Vancouver's major intersections.
  • Procedure: CCTV Monitoring of City Premises PDF file (257 KB) - These systems monitor City premises for security and safety purposes.
  • Procedure: Public Realm CCTV Systems PDF file (186 KB) - These systems are capable of monitoring the public realm and typically activated for public safety purposes during special events or emergencies. View public realm locations and operating times. Areas monitored by public realm cameras are marked with signage. 

Event-driven and temporary CCTV installations

For major events, we may temporarily use CCTV cameras in public spaces to support crowd management, public safety, and emergency response.

All event-driven CCTV installations follow our CCTV Systems Policy PDF file (262 KB) and the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) External website, opens in new tab.

This includes a formal Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) External website, opens in new tab that must be completed before the CCTV system becomes operational or collects any personal information.

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  Installation and testing timeline 

  To make sure systems function safely and reliably, the physical installation, technical testing, and configuration of cameras and networking equipment may occur before the final PIA is executed. This preparatory work:

  • Does not include activating the system for monitoring
  • Does not include collecting or storing personal information
  • Is limited to meeting technical readiness and compliance requirements

  The CCTV system will only be activated for active recording or monitoring after the PIA is approved and all policy requirements are met.

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  Public notification and signage

  Before any temporary CCTV system becomes operational:

  • Signage will be installed at major entrance points to clearly notify the public
  • Camera locations and surveillance zones will be published on this page (when feasible)
  • Camera activations will be limited to specific dates and times associated with the event
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  Privacy protections

  Event-based CCTV installations will not use:

  • Facial recognition
  • Biometric identification
  • Audio recording

  Access to footage is restricted to authorized personnel, and recordings are kept only for the minimum period necessary for public safety or investigative purposes.

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  Camera use summaries and transparency

  Following major events, we may publish a summary describing:

  • Number of cameras installed
  • Duration of activation
  • Number of times recordings were accessed