Safety and Security Cameras

Video Surveillance on School Buses and District Property

Gulf Islands School District uses closed circuit television (CCTV) on school buses and in some District buildings, with signage posted to provide notice. CCTV is used to enhance safety and security for students and staff, deter and investigate dangerous, destructive, or unlawful acts; and to protect District property and assets.

This information is collected under the authority of the School Act (section 74.01) and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) sections 26(a)(c)  . 

CCTV - Where and What it Records

The safety of students and employees is always the number one priority for Gulf Islands School District. CCTV may be used at District sites and on District vehicles where it is necessary for safety and security and where the benefit outweighs the impact on privacy. 

District buildings: cameras are generally located on the exterior of buildings; interior cameras may be used where appropriate.

School buses: cameras record inside the bus and immediately outside the bus while the bus is in operation.

CCTV is not used in areas where a high level of privacy is expected (e.g., washrooms, change rooms, private meeting rooms). CCTV is not intended to monitor the performance of staff.

Cameras may record images of people on District property or on District vehicles (students, staff, visitors, and members of the public), including time, and location information associated with recordings. Audio may be captured in a limited area around or inside buildings and in the interior of school buses; no audio is recorded with traffic-facing cameras on the exterior of school buses. 

Protecting Personal Information

CCTV recordings may contain personal information and the District uses a range of physical and technical controls to protect it, including restricted access, secure equipment, systems and storage, and audit logging.

Recordings are not routinely viewed. Access occurs only in response to a specific incident, complaint, or safety/security concern, and is limited to authorized personnel following District procedures. 

Requests to view or obtain a copy of CCTV footage must be made in writing and must include specific details (date, time, and location) and the reason for the request. Requests may be refused or limited where disclosure would be an unreasonable invasion of a third party’s personal privacy or would raise safety concerns, consistent with FOIPPA.

For information on making an access request, please see the District’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Requests page.

Disclosure and Retention

Video recordings are protected and are not sold, publicly viewed, or distributed. Personal information may be used or disclosed without consent when authorized by law, including to support safety, investigations, and legal processes. Where necessary, limited footage may be disclosed to the RCMP to investigate an offence or safety incident, consistent with FOIPPA. 

Footage may be retained for an investigation, insurance, RCMP request, or documentation of an incident, and kept in alignment with District retention procedures and FOIPPA.

If you have questions about District CCTV, contact the Director of Operations (250-537-5723 or email: transportation@sd64.org.)

For privacy concerns, contact the District Privacy Officer (privacy@sd64.org).