How timelapse cameras reduced disputes on a $12M Calgary project
February 28, 2026
When a subcontractor claimed they’d completed foundation work that hadn’t been inspected, the project manager pulled up three weeks of timelapse footage in seconds.
The dispute was settled the same day.
The project
A 14-storey mixed-use development in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood. Construction started in April 2025 with a projected 28-month timeline.
The problem
Subcontractor billing disputes are common on large commercial projects. Without documentation, they become he-said-she-said arguments that delay payment and damage relationships.
The solution
Sitelapse cameras were installed at three vantage points before groundbreaking. Every day of construction was automatically captured and timestamped.
The result
When the dispute arose, the project manager exported a 72-hour timelapse clip and shared it with both parties. The footage clearly showed the sequence of work. The dispute was resolved without legal involvement.