Speed cameras will remain operational in Waterloo region despite Premier Doug Ford’s intention to introduce legislation to ban them. The Region of Waterloo implemented its automated speed camera program in February following a successful pilot project in 2021. Currently, there are 22 school zones in Waterloo with automated speed cameras, and an additional six cameras are set to be installed in October.
The region clarified that as there has been no formal directive or legislative change from the province, the speed camera program will continue. The region emphasized that municipal speed cameras are a vital tool used by the Region and its municipal partners to enhance safety for children and other vulnerable road users in school zones.
In a statement to CBC K-W, the region mentioned that they would evaluate the impacts if provincial legislation were to change in the future. Premier Doug Ford expressed public dissatisfaction with speed cameras, labeling them as part of a system that issues tickets to drivers exceeding speed limits, which he viewed as a cash-grabbing tactic by municipalities.
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic highlighted the community’s preference for real-time speed enforcement by officers over automated cameras. He noted that residents were more likely to feel anger than learn a lesson when receiving tickets from speed cameras, leading to a loss of faith in the government and financial burden on individuals.
The city council of Kitchener chose not to participate in the region’s automated speed camera program on city streets but rather endorsed the city’s Vision Zero strategy for road safety. Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe expressed disappointment in Ford’s plan, citing evidence of the effectiveness of speed cameras in school zones.
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie supported Ford’s decision, mentioning that cities implemented speed cameras following the government’s approval and promotion. Ford announced that the province would provide funding for cities to implement alternative traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks, and curb extensions.
In response to the ongoing debate surrounding speed cameras, various municipal leaders voiced differing opinions on the effectiveness and implications of the proposed ban.
