City of Hamilton orders resident to take down 10 security cameras from his home

A local Hamilton man has been ordered by the city to take down his security cameras that he has on the outside of his house, despite his claim that his footage has been useful in crime investigations.

Dan Myles says he has 10 security cameras outside his home on MacNab Street North in downtown Hamilton, and he says he needs them.

“Because we had a lot of break and enters into our home and homes around us,” said Myles.

Myles has posted videos of break-ins online.

He also says police have asked him for his videos over the years to help with investigations.

CHCH News reached out to Hamilton police, and they say they can’t confirm the use of Myles’ videos, but said they often work with homeowners, businesses and drivers to get footage.

CHCH News has used videos from Myles in the past, including one that showed the moments before a fatal crash two years ago at Barton and MacNab Streets.

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“These cameras are imperative to our neighbourhood watch, and the safety of our community,” said Myles.

But last week, Myles received an order to comply with the City of Hamilton’s fortification by-law, which asked him to remove his cameras.

The by-law says homeowners are not permitted to view or listen beyond the perimeters of their own property.

“I got a notice from by-law and I thought ‘how could this be’,” said Myles. “Everybody has Ring doorbells pointed at the street, and my neighbours have cameras pointed at my house, and we all point cameras at each other.”

The City of Hamilton has confirmed the order to remove the cameras with CHCH News, but they said they could not provide further comment because this is an active investigation.

One neighbour said they’re okay with the cameras.

“I just feel like here we have someone in our community who is going above and beyond to try and protect us,” said Jane Yates, one of Myles’ neighbours. “We’ve just been hit so hard.”

However, Ann Cavoukian, the former Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, says people have the right to privacy on public property.

“Privacy is extremely important, it forms the foundation of our freedom, so to go about filming everyone without their knowledge or consent I find very unacceptable,” said Cavoukian. “You’re on your own personal area, your property, and that’s why you can do it at the door of your house, but always have a sign that you’re being recorded.”

Dan says he has appealed the order from the city, but so far has not heard back.

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