City Hall's Camera Ban MATTERS!

"WAKE UP NANAIMO"!

Who Gets to Record Democracy? 

Why the City’s Camera Ban Matters

When citizens go to Nanaimo council meetings, they expect transparency. They have a right to witness and document decisions made affecting their taxes, their neighborhoods, and their future.
But under a recent bylaw passed by the City of Nanaimo, citizens are no longer permitted to record their video or audio in the council chambers. 

The City's rationale? “We already record and broadcast the meetings.”

That answer should alarm every Nanaimo taxpayer.

Government-Only Cameras? That’s Not Transparency.

When only the government can record the government, we have a problem. It’s not just about optics—it’s about power.

When only the City owns the footage, they can decide:

• What gets shown (and what doesn’t)
• How quickly it’s released
• Whether it’s easy to find, share, or comment on

A democracy doesn't function best when the government is the sole editor of its own public record.

Your Rights Include the Right to Record

Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, freedom of expression includes the right to gather and share information about public proceedings. That includes taking photos, recording audio or video, and documenting what your elected officials are saying and doing in a public space.
Council chambers are not private boardrooms. They are publicly funded forums where decisions that affect you are made. If you’re allowed to attend, you should be allowed to document.

This Isn’t About Order—It’s About Control

Some will argue that banning public recording helps maintain order. But that’s a red herring.

Order can be preserved through:

• Clear conduct rules (no disruptions)
• Respectful filming guidelines (quiet, stationary)
• Designated areas if needed

An outright ban on recording is not about order—it’s about control.

And While They’re Raising Your Taxes…

This year’s property tax bills are expected to bring yet another hefty hike. City spending is rising—which should concern every Nanaimo citizen.

At the very moment when you have more reason than ever to hold council accountable, they’ve voted to block you from creating your record of their decisions.

If that sounds like a pattern, you’re not wrong.

It’s Time to Push Back

The people of Nanaimo have every right to say:

• “We pay the bills—we should be able to record the meetings.”
• “City Hall can’t have exclusive rights over public discourse.”
• “Transparency is too important to be edited.”

The Voice of Nanaimo stands for public access, public participation, and public power.

Let’s bring the cameras back.

CITY HALL ISN'T BROKEN
IT IS JUST UNATTENDED