File Surveillance Camera Complaints in Montréal

Technology and Data Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Quebec

Montréal, Quebec residents and businesses sometimes discover surveillance cameras that raise safety or privacy concerns. This guide explains where to file a complaint about cameras in public spaces or on private property affecting neighbours, which municipal offices and provincial regulators enforce rules, and the concrete steps to report, document and appeal decisions.

Start by gathering photos, dates and locations before filing a complaint.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement can involve two different authorities: municipal by-law enforcement for installation, placement and nuisance issues, and the Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec for privacy-related complaints about collection or use of personal information. Exact monetary fines for camera-related contraventions are not specified on the cited page; follow the complaint pathways below for official action.[1]

  • Enforcer: Municipal By-law Enforcement for Ville de Montréal handles bylaw compliance and removal orders where installation breaches municipal rules.
  • Privacy regulator: Commission d'accès à l'information (Quebec) investigates improper collection or retention of personal information.
  • Fines: Not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals: Appeal routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited page; check decision letters for appeal instructions or ask the enforcing office directly.
  • Non-monetary remedies: removal orders, compliance directions, inspection warrants or court applications may be used.
If footage is actively being used in a harassment or safety matter, preserve evidence and note timestamps immediately.

Applications & Forms

There is no single municipal “camera complaint” form published for all scenarios; privacy complaints are submitted to the provincial regulator while municipal complaints about installation or nuisance go to the city’s by-law reporting service. To submit a privacy complaint online, use the Commission d'accès à l'information complaints page and to report a by-law issue use Ville de Montréal’s report service.[1]

How to Report a Camera

Follow these action steps to make a clear, actionable complaint.

  1. Document location, direction the camera faces, owner information (if known), dates and times when the camera operated.
  2. Contact the property owner or manager to request removal or reorientation, and note their response.
  3. File a municipal by-law report for installation or nuisance to Ville de Montréal if the camera breaches local rules.
  4. If personal information is collected or misused, file a privacy complaint with the Commission d'accès à l'information (Quebec). Commission d'accès à l'information - complaints[1]
  5. Keep records and, if necessary, request the enforcing office's decision in writing and follow the appeal instructions they provide.
Keep all correspondence and timestamps; regulators rely on precise evidence.

Common Violations

  • Camera aimed at a neighbour's private space (window, yard) without lawful basis.
  • Unnotified continuous recording of public spaces where signage or consent rules apply.
  • Retention of footage beyond permitted periods or improper access controls.

FAQ

Who investigates privacy breaches from surveillance cameras?
The Commission d'accès à l'information (Quebec) investigates privacy complaints; municipal by-law officers handle installation and nuisance issues.
Can the city remove a privately owned camera?
The city can order changes or removal when installations breach municipal bylaws; you should file a by-law report with Ville de Montréal.
How long does an appeal take?
Time limits and appeal procedures depend on the enforcement decision and are not specified on the cited page; request appeal instructions from the enforcing office.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: photos, video clips, dates, times and witness names.
  2. Contact the owner or property manager to attempt informal resolution.
  3. File a municipal report for by-law issues with Ville de Montréal or a privacy complaint with the Commission d'accès à l'information.
  4. Follow up with the enforcing office and supply requested evidence.
  5. If unsatisfied, use the appeal route in the decision letter or seek legal advice for judicial review.

Key Takeaways

  • Use municipal by-law reports for installation or nuisance issues and the provincial regulator for privacy breaches.
  • Document evidence carefully—photos, timestamps and correspondence are crucial.
  • Expect non-monetary remedies like removal orders even where fines are not specified.

Help and Support / Resources

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