ORFA Recommends Updating Image-Capture Policies

September 22, 2026

The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) has monitored advances in handheld technology within the recreation sector since the early 1990s. ORFA was among one of the first provincial recreation organizations to recommend policies and signage restricting image-capture devices in public recreation spaces. [More]

ORFA recommends that all members review and update facility contracts and image-capture policies to specifically address smart glasses. [More] Smart glasses are wearable tech that merge the physical world with digital information. They resemble traditional eyewear but include audio, video and a transparent screen to display data to the wearer. This allows them to interact with both real and virtual environments simultaneously.

Clear policies and signage help protect patrons in vulnerable situations, including changing or showering. Although these rules can be a challenge for building staff to enforce, recreation professionals must provide leadership as new operational challenges emerge. Staff training is essential so employees can respond appropriately to policy violations.

Additional Resources

• Monitoring Facilities: Code of Conduct
• Is It Time to Update Your Facility Contracts?
• Public Safety and Patron Code of Conduct: Facility Signage Guidelines