Calgary goes digital to meet project inspection demand
Recent bookings for remote inspections have surged 1,248%.
Key Takeaways:
- Remote inspections are booming: Bookings for Calgary’s Remote Video Inspections (RVI) service rose by 1,248% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, averaging 877 appointments per month.
- Convenient options for homeowners and contractors: RVI now supports a wide range of permit types, allowing users to request same-day inspections from home or job sites, streamlining project completion.
- Supports safety and sustainability: Virtual inspections reduce the need for travel by inspectors, improving team safety and helping the City meet its environmental goals.
The Whole Story:
The City of Calgary is ramping up its Remote Video Inspections (RVI) program in response to rising demand from homeowners and contractors eager to complete construction projects without the delays of traditional inspections.
RVI offers same-day virtual inspections for building, plumbing, gas and electrical permits, allowing users to have work signed off from home or directly from the job site. Officials say the service is helping to speed up project timelines and improve convenience amid a busy construction season.
“During such a pivotal time in Calgary’s construction history, Remote Video Inspections has proven to be another effective method to request an inspection,” said Kris Dietrich, the City’s manager of trade and subdivision inspections. “Since expanding our service offerings, we are able to keep up with demand while offering residents a more convenient option to close out their permits.”
Between January and June, bookings for RVI surged 1,248% compared to the same period in 2024, averaging 877 appointments each month. The City expanded the program in March to include more inspection types for homeowners, contributing to the sharp increase in use.
Homeowners can now request inspections for various plumbing, gas, building and development permits from their home. Contractors on site can also use the system to schedule inspections immediately after completing work.
The virtual inspections connect users to a certified safety codes officer through secure video technology, and are conducted with the same standards as in-person visits, according to the City.
While traditional, on-site inspections remain fully available, officials say the growth of RVI reduces travel for inspectors, which improves safety and supports the City’s efforts to cut emissions.
