Blair Davis says she was in the meadow of her West Lawrencetown, N.S., farm several years ago when she first heard a buzzing sound and looked up to see a drone flying overhead.
The Canadian Armed Forces veteran lives with post-traumatic stress disorder, so the feeling of being watched was unnerving. He reported the incident to the RCMP and police spoke with a neighbor.
“It didn’t stop. It got worse,” Davis said in an interview with his wife, Kim.
On countless occasions, the couple has recorded videos of flickering lights in the night sky that appear to be drones. The continuous appearances on their property have left them begging the authorities for help.
“What else are these drones used for at night other than tormenting, torturing and stalking?” said Kim Davis.
Drone rules
In Canada, drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms must be registered with Transport Canada. The operator must also have a drone pilot certificate and must fly the drone within sight and no further than 120 meters.
It is prohibited to fly a drone of that size near airports and other aircraft without the proper license and permits. West Lawrencetown, about 25 kilometers east of Halifax, is also included in a no-fly zone around the Canadian Armed Forces base in Shearwater, N.S.
While Transport Canada is responsible for laws and regulations related to the use of drones, police can charge operators with voyeurism, mischief or creating a nuisance. Violations can result in fines or even jail time.
Complex investigations
Nova Scotia RCMP spokesperson Guillaume Tremblay said the investigations alongside Transport Canada are complex.
“If you look at a remotely piloted aircraft, the person may not be within the field of view of the device itself. And that adds a layer of complexity when it comes to identifying who is actually operating the device,” he said. Tremblay in an interview.
Neither Tremblay nor Transport Canada provided details on what equipment may be used to assist drone investigations. They also couldn’t talk about the Blair and Kim Davis reports.
Tremblay said anyone concerned about drone use contravening federal rules should fill out an online form on Transport Canada’s website.
“However, if you believe criminal offenses are being committed, please contact the RCMP immediately,” he said.
“Gather some of the information if you can – you know, the color of the drone, the identification markers on the drone, anything you can provide to officers would certainly be a big help.”
Low importance
But the Davises have been doing that, taking countless photographs and videos, and said the issue is of little importance to authorities.
Kristie Wilcox, who lives on the same street, agrees.
“It’s strangely disturbing and it needs to be stopped,” he said in an interview.
The three believe they know who operates the drone.
“I want to be able to enjoy my life as peacefully and happily as possible,” Wilcox said. “We have a great community here and we all want the same thing: peace, happiness, to be successful in our own businesses and to help each other.”
Peace Bond
A three-year peace bond was issued against the person in May 2023 in relation to the Davis property. It prevents them from blocking the private lane, using firearms or setting off explosives within a five-kilometer radius of the veteran’s home.
But the conditions do not mention the use of drones in the area.
“No one wants to take responsibility…And yet we’re here living this every night,” Blair Davis said.
“Now…if the mayor had drones flying over his house, some measures would have to be taken. But since I’m not that important, or so I feel, I’m not a high priority.”
