Back to SearchThe Town of Midland remains committed to the safety of our residents, particularly our most vulnerable road users, especially children in school zones and pedestrians in community safety zones. The Community Safety Speed Camera program, using Automated Speed Cameras (ASE), launched in September 2025, is an evidence-based initiative supported by current provincial legislation under the Highway Traffic Act and O. Reg. 398/19.
The Town is aware of Premier Doug Ford’s recent announcement that the provincial government intends to introduce legislation to ban municipal speed cameras. Midland respects the legislative process and will continue to operate the ASE program until such legislation is passed and takes effect.
The Town's position is grounded in research and public safety outcomes. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ontario Traffic Council have publicly supported ASE as a proven tool to reduce speeding and improve road safety. A SickKids-led study published in Injury Prevention (July 2025) found that ASE cameras reduced speeding by 45% and lowered the speed of the fastest vehicles by more than 10 km/hr in Toronto school zones. A recent CAA study found that 73% of Ontario drivers support the use of speed cameras in targeted areas, and that ASE positively influences driver behavior, with 73% of Ontario drivers slowing down before cameras and 46% avoiding roads with cameras altogether.
Midland’s Community Safety program consists of two ASE cameras, in Community Safety Zones which are also school zones where speed limits are 40 km per hour at all times, including:
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William Street, in front of Sacred Heart Catholic School
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Yonge Street, in front of Mundy’s Bay Public School (pending construction completion)
While traffic studies were part of the evidence used to implement this program, the initial data from William Street shows that speeding in this area is a valid concern. In the first 17 days of enforcement, 1,295 tickets were issued, with 25% of offenders travelling more than 20 km/hr over the posted speed limit. Reducing speeds in these zones is critical to lowering the risk of pedestrian injury and fatality, particularly for children whose small size and unpredictable movements increase their vulnerability.
The Town recognizes Premier Ford’s concerns about affordability and transparency. Midland’s Community Safety Camera program was designed with these principles in mind:
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Speed ticket thresholds were set in consultation with the OPP, ensuring alignment with enforcement best practices.
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Clear signage is posted for the community safety zone, the school zone and the use of cameras.
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All net revenues from speed fines are reinvested into community safety and traffic calming initiatives, reducing the burden on taxpayers by using fines paid by speeders instead of tax dollars.
Premature cancellation of the program could result in program costs exceeding $200,000, which is not a responsible use of public funds.
Until the legislation is enacted, Midland will continue to uphold its commitment to community safety through the responsible operation of ASE cameras in accordance with existing legislation. The Town of Midland remains committed to working with provincial partners to ensure that community safety remains a shared priority.
For more information on the Community Safety program, please visit midland.ca/ASE.
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