Market Trends of Canada Surveillance Camera Industry
IP-based Surveillance Cameras Growing at a Significant Rate
- In the Canadian market, IP-based surveillance cameras, which transmit video data over the Internet, are eclipsing traditional analog systems. Their dominance is driven by advanced features, high resolutions, and adaptability, resonating with a security-conscious market undergoing technological advancements and increasing sector-wide adoption.
- These cameras offer HD and UHD video quality and surpass their analog counterparts with sharper, more detailed imagery. IP cameras are functional and user-friendly, with features like remote access, digital zoom, and seamless integration with security systems. Their standout feature lies in their scalability, allowing system expansions without significant infrastructure overhauls.
- The rise of smart home technology and IoT has driven demand for IP cameras, which seamlessly integrate into comprehensive home security and automation systems. Despite a potentially higher upfront cost, IP cameras offer long-term savings due to their straightforward installation, reduced cabling needs, and lower maintenance requirements.
- Businesses are pivoting towards IP-based security cameras equipped with video analytics. This move bolsters real-time situational awareness and security and provides crucial operational insights. As analytics take center stage, introducing 4K resolution cameras enables providers to incorporate advanced functionalities into their software.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prominent trend, enhancing features such as facial recognition, behavior analysis, and automated alerts. Businesses, particularly those focused on future-proofing, are increasingly adopting AI-driven surveillance systems. Furthermore, law enforcement authorities increasingly use facial recognition technology to combat crime. These systems, a subset of biometric technology, leverage AI to match images or videos of individuals' faces—often sourced from security cameras—with their records in databases.
- For instance, in May 2024, York and Peel Police in Ontario said they had begun implementing facial recognition technology provided by the multinational French company Idemia. Although there have been questions about privacy laws and the government's unauthorized use of this technology, there is an increasing trend toward adopting these high-tech cameras for security reasons.
- With the number of instances of traffic violations continuing to remain significant, the outlook towards surveillance cameras is anticipated to remain positive in several regions of Canada. For instance, according to Intersection safety camera (ISC) violation data of British Colombia, in 2023, about 80,647 instances of red light signal violation were reported, compared to 74,771 in 2022.
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Retail Sector to Witness Significant Growth in Demand
- Canada's retail sector, a cornerstone of its economy, boasts annual revenues in the hundreds of billions. It stands as the nation's largest private-sector employer. In 2023, retail sales in Canada, as reported by Statistics Canada, hit the USD 580 billion mark. The total retail sales of supermarkets and other grocery stores in the country also increased, with December 2023 only recording about USD 6.59 billion.
- However, the Canadian retail landscape grapples with a persistent challenge: theft and shoplifting. These crimes threaten retailers' bottom lines and the safety of their staff and customers. To combat this, many retailers are turning to surveillance cameras for deterrence and as crucial tools for evidence collection and prosecution. The Retail Council of Canada underscores the severity of the issue, estimating annual losses in the billions due to shoplifting.
- Theft, often misconstrued as a victimless act, significantly impacts Canadian retailers, translating to billions in annual losses. These costs inevitably get passed on to consumers. Beyond financial concerns, business owners grapple with the safety of both their patrons and staff. Notably, shoplifting is rising, spanning various sectors, from food to apparel and footwear.
- Compounding this issue, a troubling pattern emerges a surge in repeat offenders, instances of violence, and the emergence of organized retail crime syndicates. Retailers, as per the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), have witnessed a significant uptick in retail thefts involving violence over the last four years.
- Security suppliers such as Sonitrol, 3SI Security, Alliance Security Group, and UTS are a few of many names that offer overall and end-to-end retail surveillance security solutions. As retailers strive to provide a secure and efficient shopping environment, the adoption of sophisticated surveillance systems is expected to rise. This trend is expected to drive the growth of the surveillance camera market in Canada, although it has specific limitations due to privacy concerns.
