Barrie residents are giving a mixed response as the Ontario government moves to end the use of automated speed-enforcement cameras across the province.
Minister of Red Tape Reduction and Barrie–Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin tabled an omnibus bill on the first day of the fall session at Queen’s Park. The legislation, which focuses on supporting local businesses, streamlining processes and building long-term economic growth, also includes measures to phase out speed cameras.
Under the proposed law, municipalities with existing cameras — mainly in school zones — would instead install large flashing-light signage and implement traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, curb extensions and roundabouts.
The provincial government has said the cameras have become a “cash grab” with the move to help Ontarians with affordably concerns. However, municipal leaders and safety advocates warn the policy change could undermine improvements made in school zones and community safety areas.
In Barrie, reaction to the move has been mixed.
Resident Amanda Fellows, a mother of two, said she believes the cameras have been effective.
“I think overall the speed cameras are effective. I think people are more conscious generally in areas where there are cameras and I appreciate that behaviour change,” she said.
Local business owner and father of three sons, Eric Eastman, expressed support for removing most cameras but believes they are valuable in school zones.
“Although I am not the biggest supporter of the randomized speed cameras set up throughout the province, I do support the speed cameras in school zones,” he said.
“As a father, I have witnessed many close calls with children due to the ignorance of other drivers — they should be accountable for their actions. I would much rather have a stronger police presence in the community.”
He added that red-light cameras would be an ideal alternative.
“What I would support is adding more red-light cameras throughout the city and province. Daily, I see people ignore or are too distracted to pay attention to red lights or stop signs. It’s dangerous and disgusting to see people have such a disregard for other people’s safety.”
Barrie resident Natasha Greig took a more skeptical view.
“They make sense in school zones. But the prices are outrageous, I figure their point is, they won’t speed if they see the price of this ticket, but that hasn’t solved anything,” she said.
Outside the city, in neighbouring Innisfil, Deputy Mayor Kenneth Fowler said the feedback he has received about speed cameras has been positive.
“The feedback I have encountered with majority of the residents has been positive regarding speed cameras as a whole,” he said.
“Without significantly increasing the duty hours of officers as they sit in school zones, this provides a viable alternative to the South Simcoe Police Service budget. It removes the provincial courts from the equation and streamlines the ticket process which penalizes speeders less.”
All speed cameras in Barrie are expected to be removed no later than Dec. 31, 2025.
Minister Khanjin’s office didn’t respond to requests for comment.
