Waterloo Region Installs 6 Speed Cameras Amid Political Uncertainty

Councillors in the Region of Waterloo have decided to install six new speed cameras in local school zones, despite growing political pressure to halt the program. This move occurs as Ontario Premier Doug Ford intensifies his campaign to ban speed cameras across the province, labeling them as “cash grabs” and “speed traps.” Ford has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at eliminating these cameras when the legislature reconvenes later in October.

In anticipation of this potential legislative shift, regional councillors are acting quickly. Councillor Colleen James introduced a motion to pause any further speed camera installations while acknowledging the ongoing safety benefits of the program. “While the program is delivering safety, the politics around it are shifting,” James noted during a recent Administration and Finance Committee meeting. She emphasized the need for the council to consider the financial implications if the province decides to terminate the automated speed enforcement program.

James highlighted the concerns surrounding existing contracts for equipment and processing that could incur significant costs if the program were to be abruptly canceled. “We need to be clear about the implications,” she said, expressing the necessity to maintain the program until formal legislation is introduced.

Many councillors, including Jan Liggett, echoed James’s sentiments, emphasizing the crucial role of speed cameras in enhancing safety, particularly for children in school zones. Liggett pointed out the urgency of moving forward with the installations. “I want to see the ones that are ready to go, go forward. We have a few of them in Cambridge, and those are in very dangerous areas,” she remarked.

While some expressed caution about the future of the program, Liggett proposed an amendment to continue with the installation of the six cameras planned for local school zones. She shared her observations of reduced speeds in areas where the “coming soon” signs have been posted, indicating the positive impact of the program even before the cameras are operational. “That makes me feel good about the fact that those kids could be safe there,” she added.

The regional council largely agreed with Liggett’s perspective, recognizing the ongoing risks associated with high speeds on roads lacking camera enforcement. They acknowledged that lives are being lost due to speeding, and the presence of cameras has proven effective in areas where they have been installed.

The six cameras set to be installed in Waterloo Region during the fall of 2025 include locations such as Manchester Public School on Dundas Street North in Cambridge. These installations are expected to proceed as planned, but the future of additional speed cameras remains uncertain until the political landscape clarifies.

As the debate continues, regional councillors are balancing the immediate need for safety with the potential implications of upcoming provincial legislation. Their commitment to protecting the community, particularly children, remains a priority, despite the political uncertainties surrounding speed enforcement measures.