Flashing bulbs and silent lenses will soon vanish from Barrie’s roads, as speed cameras are shut down and a new era of traffic safety dawns across Ontario.
Barrie’s automated speed enforcement (ASE) program, active since December 2023, faces its official sunset after the Ontario government banned speed cameras provincewide. November 15 marks the deadline, with city crews removing all cameras by the following day. The move follows Premier Doug Ford’s months-long criticism of ASE, often calling the devices a “cash grab,” despite research cited by municipalities that shows speed cameras can reduce dangerous driving.
For Barrie, the fallout is immediate and practical. City council directed staff to seek $5 million from the province for new traffic calming measures, and earmarked an extra $500,000—drawn from the ASE program’s own surplus—to keep the streets safer while the city adapts. That surplus stands at over $535,000, with all revenue from ASE legally committed to road safety initiatives, not general coffers.
The provincial plan replaces cameras with a different approach: $210 million will flow to municipalities, funding speed bumps, raised crosswalks, roundabouts, and other physical deterrents. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria called the new Road Safety Initiatives Fund an investment in “proven traffic-calming measures without making life more expensive for drivers.”
Some local leaders, like Innisfil mayor Lynn Dollin, advocated for reform rather than a ban, warning that all Ontario taxpayers will now shoulder costs once paid by offending drivers. Still, Barrie’s police remain steadfast. “It’s going to be business as usual for us,” said Peter Leon, Barrie Police Service communications coordinator, stressing the continued commitment to patrol school zones and community safety areas.
Tickets issued before camera removal remain valid, and refunds will not be granted. Meanwhile, council considers further options, including the potential addition of red light cameras to high-risk intersections. As Barrie’s streets adjust to new rules and new tools, all eyes turn to whether the province’s gamble on alternative traffic calming can match the results once promised by silent, watchful cameras.
References:
Barrie’s speed camera program ends Friday as province to spend millions on other road safety measures
Speed cameras in Barrie to be removed by Friday
