Can a condo board install cameras in hallways without owner approval?

The condo board has authority over common areas, which typically includes corridors. However, deploying surveillance in a new area — particularly if it's considered a significant change — may require disclosure to owners and possibly a vote, depending on the condo's bylaws.

How should a condo board handle footage requests from residents?

A written privacy policy should define who can request footage, under what circumstances, and who has authority to release it. Footage requests from residents relating to an incident involving them directly are typically accommodated, while general surveillance requests are not.

What is the best way to manage fob access in a Calgary condo building?

Cloud-managed access control allows the property manager to deactivate specific fobs instantly without replacing hardware. When a unit is sold, the previous owner's credentials are deactivated and new credentials issued to the buyer — no locksmith required, no risk of outstanding active fobs.

Security

Condominium Security Systems in Calgary: Protecting Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

February 4, 2026

Fortified Technologies

Access control and intercom system at a Calgary condominium building

"Calgary condo boards are responsible for building security that protects all residents. Learn how access control, video intercoms, and camera systems work in multi-unit residential buildings."

Condominium security sits at the intersection of private property, shared responsibility, and individual privacy. Calgary condo boards are responsible for deploying and maintaining security systems that protect all residents - not just the common areas - while respecting the privacy rights of those same residents. Getting this balance right requires a system designed specifically for multi-unit residential environments.

Key Takeaways

Video intercom systems at main entry points allow residents to screen visitors before granting access.
Fob or mobile credential access control creates a log of every common-area door event - useful for incident investigation.
Camera coverage in parkades, amenity rooms, and lobbies is appropriate; individual unit floor corridors require careful legal consideration.
Package room access control addresses the growing problem of parcel theft in Calgary condo buildings.
Condo boards have specific obligations under Alberta's PIPA when deploying surveillance systems.

Video Intercom: The Foundation of Condo Entry Security

The most impactful security upgrade for most Calgary condo buildings is a modern video intercom system at main and secondary entry points. A cloud-managed HD intercom allows residents to see and speak with visitors on their smartphone from anywhere - and unlock the door remotely for authorized guests. This eliminates the practice of residents buzzing in anyone who calls, which is the most common way unauthorized individuals access residential buildings.

Modern intercom systems also support package delivery - a delivery driver can ring the unit, the resident can view the live feed and unlock the lobby or parcel room without needing to be home. This reduces both missed deliveries and parcel theft significantly.

Access Control for Common Areas

Fob or mobile credential access control on parkade doors, amenity room entries (gym, party room, rooftop), and secondary building exits creates a complete log of common area access events. When a bicycle is stolen from the parkade, the board can pull a report of every credential used at that entrance in the relevant time window - dramatically narrowing the investigation.

Access control credentials can be deactivated instantly when a resident sells their unit or a renter's lease ends - without the cost and disruption of rekeying locks across the building. For large Calgary buildings with multiple suite turnovers per month, this administrative efficiency is significant.

Camera Placement in Residential Buildings

Lobbies, main entry points, parkades, amenity spaces, and mail/package areas are all appropriate locations for camera coverage in a Calgary condo building. Individual floor corridors require more careful consideration - cameras at stairwell and elevator landings are standard, but cameras that monitor individual unit doorways are generally considered inappropriate under Alberta's PIPA unless specific circumstances justify it.

The condo board should document its camera placement rationale, retention period policy, and access policy for footage as part of a written privacy management program - a requirement under PIPA for organizations that collect personal information, which includes video surveillance.

Working with Condo Boards and Property Managers

Fortified Technologies works with Calgary condo boards and property management companies to design, install, and maintain building security systems. We provide the documentation boards need for their annual general meetings, insurance renewals, and PIPA compliance obligations. Contact us to schedule a building security review.

Frequently Asked Questions

The condo corporation (board) is responsible for security in all common areas. Individual unit owners are responsible for the interior of their own units. Security decisions for common areas go through the board and must align with the condo bylaws and the Condominium Property Act.