Drone use in Drumheller is now restricted to those who are approved to do so commercially, after council passed a new drone use policy at council Monday.
Recreational drone use within the municipality is now prohibited and only people who have successfully completed a drone use application will be allowed to use a drone.
“It’s basically a safety or public protection policy,” said economic development manager Sean Wallace, adding applicants must show insurance in case any property is damaged by the drone.
Drones have become increasingly affordable in the past years. Wallace said municipalities across the country are now readying drone use policies and bylaws.
“I know we’re not Toronto or Calgary or some of these bigger cities but its coming our way and its best to get ahead of the curve when it happens.”
Wallace told council that not much has changed for recreational drone use as Drumheller was already in a no fly zone due to the airport and the Drumheller Institution. He also said the town have been receiving a lot of requests for drone use, including by CBC when they filmed part of a TV series here last month.
According to the policy, drones must have valid registration with Transport Canada and approvals must be provided to fly in restricted airspace, operators must have an advanced operators license, not fly within 100 feet of people, vehicles, or buildings, operators must maintain visual sight at all times, provide a site map and flight map, and not fly above the lip of the valley, among other restrictions.
The policy is in effect now but at the moment there are no fines or consequences in the policy for someone caught flying a drone in Drumheller. Wallace said if the town receives increased complaints from residents that there would be a recommendation to council that this become a bylaw or added to an existing bylaw that already has a fine schedule.