Brampton’s shuttered $78-million automated speed enforcement processing centre could soon be given a new purpose, with plans underway to convert the facility into a red-light camera ticket processing hub serving Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon.
The facility, located on Sandalwood Parkway and purchased in 2023 for $77.9 million, was originally intended to support the city’s large-scale rollout of automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras. However, those plans were halted after the Ontario government introduced a province-wide ban on photo radar systems later that same year, leaving the processing centre unused.
Now, municipal and regional officials are exploring an alternative use that could see the site handle red-light camera ticket processing across Peel Region starting as early as 2027. Currently, Peel contracts these services to the City of Toronto and a third-party provider, with processing costs reaching approximately $140,000 in 2024 and $160,000 in 2025.
According to a regional report, the City of Brampton believes it is well positioned to offer a complete red-light camera solution, including both infrastructure and processing services, at costs that would be no higher than current arrangements. The existing contract with Toronto is set to expire in 2027, with provisions allowing for earlier termination if required.
Across Peel Region, there are currently 21 red-light cameras in Mississauga, 15 in Brampton and one in Caledon. Discussions are ongoing between regional staff and the City of Brampton to determine whether the processing centre can be transitioned to support this system efficiently.
City officials have also indicated they are reviewing additional uses for the 185 ASE cameras previously deployed, including supporting police investigations and exploring technologies such as vehicle noise monitoring. Some of these cameras could potentially be converted for red-light enforcement as part of the broader strategy.
When the property was initially acquired, city leaders projected that local processing of traffic violations could generate significant revenue while creating jobs and improving road safety. Estimates at the time suggested annual revenues of approximately $30 million against operating costs of around $13 million.
With the future of automated speed enforcement uncertain, repurposing the facility for red-light camera operations could offer a practical solution, allowing the city to recover value from its investment while continuing to support traffic safety initiatives across the region.