The DJI Inspire Raw drone helicopter is on display at CES Unveiled, a media preview event for CES International, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, in Las Vegas. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-John Locher)
A Winnipeg city councillor wants to know if the municipal government should regulate and oversee the use of drones.
Councillor Scott Gillingham (St. James-Brooklands-Weston) will introduce a motion on Wednesday to see if the city can adopt a bylaw for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones.
“The public use of UAVs or drones has grown quickly,” said Gillingham. “While there are many business, industrial and recreational uses for these vehicles, the aim of this motion is ultimately to enable operators to fly their UAV in a manner that ensures the protection of people, property and privacy.”
Transport Canada is the present authority to provide oversight and regulations for operators of the devices. Gillingham says the proposed bylaw would complement and enhance that regulation.
Gillingham’s motion will call for the bylaw to focus on three main areas: public safety, privacy protection and education of operators.
