Toronto 
Parents, caregivers, and road safety advocates held coordinated demonstrations across Ontario on October 20 to oppose the provincial government’s plan to end the use of municipal automated speed enforcement cameras.
Credit: Thomas DeVito
The gatherings were organized in response to Premier Doug Ford’s announcement that legislation will be introduced to ban the cameras, which he described as “a cash grab” by municipalities.
Protests were staged in several communities, including West End Toronto, East York, Vaughan, Caledon, Ottawa, and Midland.
In Toronto’s west end, MPP Alexa Gilmour joined participants at Perth Park. East York residents gathered near William Burgess Elementary School, while Mayor John Creelman of Mono attended the Caledon event near West Maplecreek Park. Ottawa saw two demonstrations — one at Woodroffe School with Councillor Sean Devine, and another at Queen Elizabeth School attended by Councillor Tim Tierney. Midland residents met at the camera site near Mundy’s Bay Elementary.
Credit: Thomas DeVito
Speeding is linked to roughly one-quarter of road deaths nationwide, and vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of injury-related deaths among children in Canada. Research indicates that pedestrians struck at 56 km/h are five times more likely to die than those hit at 32 km/h.
A study by SickKids found that Ontario’s school zone cameras cut speeding by 45% where installed. The program has support from the Police Association of Ontario, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Toronto City Council, and 73% of Ontarians, according to the Canadian Automobile Association. More than 20 mayors have urged the premier to reconsider.
Participants said they aim to protect municipal authority over speed safety tools and prevent measures that could compromise road safety for children and families.
