Waterloo Region Accelerates Safety Efforts, Adds Five New Speed Cameras Despite Ford's 'Cash Grab' Criticism

Waterloo Region is stepping on the gas with its commitment to road safety, recently activating five brand-new automated speed enforcement cameras. This latest expansion brings the region's total operational cameras to 20, a significant move that continues to unfold despite pointed criticism from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has famously — and repeatedly — slammed such initiatives as mere "cash grabs."

The deployment of these additional cameras underscores the Region of Waterloo's unwavering dedication to making its roads safer, particularly in high-risk areas.

Officials emphasize that these cameras are strategically placed within designated school zones and community safety zones, areas where vulnerable road users, like children and pedestrians, are most at risk from speeding vehicles. It's a clear message: safety takes precedence, even when it means navigating political headwinds.

The new additions are now actively monitoring speeds at critical locations across the region.

Residents should be aware of the cameras at Highland Road West in Kitchener, Old Zeller Drive in Kitchener, Victoria Street North in Kitchener, Bearinger Road in Waterloo, and Franklin Boulevard in Cambridge. Each location has been identified based on data indicating a need for enhanced speed enforcement to protect the public.

Premier Ford, however, has not minced words on the matter.

His characterization of automated speed enforcement as targeting "people who are working hard trying to get to work" has fueled a provincial debate about the true intent behind these devices. From his perspective, they represent an unfair burden on hardworking Ontarians, a sentiment that resonates with some commuters who feel unfairly penalized.

Yet, regional authorities firmly rebut this narrative.

Matt Ferris, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services for the Region of Waterloo, has consistently stated that the cameras are not installed for revenue generation. Instead, their sole purpose is to encourage drivers to slow down and adhere to posted speed limits in zones explicitly designed for enhanced safety.

The focus, they argue, is on prevention rather than simply punishment.

Despite the "cash grab" accusations, the financial impact of these cameras is undeniable. Since the initial rollout of automated speed enforcement in 2020, Waterloo Region has seen over 100,000 tickets issued, translating to more than $7.4 million in fines.

While these figures might seem substantial, it's important to understand the flow of funds: the revenue initially goes to the provincial treasury, then a portion is allocated back to the municipality to cover the operational costs of the program, including camera maintenance, ticket processing, and administrative overhead.

The regional government asserts that any surplus is reinvested into further road safety initiatives.

The installation of these five new cameras is part of a broader, phased strategy that began with 10 cameras in 2020, followed by another five in 2022. Each phase aims to progressively enhance road safety and cultivate a culture of responsible driving.

As the Region of Waterloo continues to prioritize the well-being of its residents and vulnerable road users, the debate with Queen's Park over these enforcement tools shows no signs of slowing down.