Mississauga is preparing to roll out a new road safety strategy aimed at protecting students and reducing speeding in school zones following the provincial government’s decision to ban automated speed enforcement cameras across Ontario.
City councillors are set to review a comprehensive plan that would invest millions of dollars in alternative traffic-calming measures designed to encourage drivers to slow down in areas where children and families are most vulnerable.
The initiative comes after the Ontario government eliminated automated speed enforcement cameras last November, arguing that the devices had become more of a revenue-generating tool than a road safety measure. In response, the province established a Road Safety Initiatives Fund worth $210 million over two years to help municipalities implement alternative solutions.
Mississauga has been allocated approximately $11.2 million from the provincial fund. City officials propose using $8 million of that funding to install a range of safety enhancements in school zones across the city, while an earlier portion of the funding has already been directed toward speed humps and other physical traffic-calming projects.
Under the proposed plan, school zones would receive enhanced warning signs equipped with flashing beacons that operate during school hours, providing drivers with a clear reminder to reduce speed and exercise caution. The city also plans to install electronic speed display signs that use radar technology to show motorists their current speed in real time. These signs are intended to encourage drivers to voluntarily slow down when they realize they are exceeding posted limits.
In addition, specialized pavement markings would be introduced in school zones to increase driver awareness and reinforce the need for caution around schools. City officials believe these highly visible road markings can play an important role in creating safer environments for students, parents, and pedestrians.
The province-wide prohibition on speed cameras resulted in the removal of more than 700 automated enforcement devices that had been operating in municipalities since 2019. Mississauga had utilized 22 cameras that rotated among various school zone locations between 2021 and late 2025.
Before the ban took effect, city officials consistently defended the use of speed cameras, arguing they had significantly improved road safety. According to municipal data, average vehicle speeds in school zones dropped by approximately nine kilometres per hour after the cameras were introduced.
The program also generated substantial enforcement activity. Between June 2021 and August 2025, more than 169,000 speeding tickets were issued through Mississauga’s automated speed enforcement initiative.
While the debate over speed cameras continues, city leaders are now focused on ensuring that school zones remain safe through engineering, education, and traffic-calming measures. The proposed investment represents one of the largest school-zone safety initiatives undertaken by Mississauga and reflects a continued commitment to reducing speeding and protecting children on local roads.
Parole Board Says Jacob Hoggard Requires Professional Supervision Before Full Release
Former Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard has been denied full parole after the Parole Board of Canada concluded that he still requires professional supervision and a structured transition before returning fully to the community.
Instead of granting full parole, the board approved six months of day parole, allowing the 41-year-old convicted sexual offender to reside at a halfway house while his progress is closely monitored.
The decision follows Hoggard’s conviction for sexual assault causing bodily harm against an Ottawa woman. He is currently serving a five-year prison sentence stemming from that conviction.
In its ruling, the parole board stated that although Hoggard has demonstrated some progress during his incarceration, his rehabilitation remains incomplete and requires further testing under controlled conditions before a less restrictive form of release can be considered.
Several special conditions were attached to his day parole. Among them is a restriction preventing him from being in the presence of girls under the age of 18 unless accompanied by a responsible adult who is aware of his criminal history and has received approval from his parole officer.
The board expressed concerns about Hoggard’s past attitudes and behaviour, noting his admission during the hearing that he previously had little understanding of consent and did not consider it during sexual encounters. Members of the panel questioned whether the offence for which he was convicted was an isolated incident, citing similarities between the convicted offence and other allegations that had been raised over the years.
According to the ruling, the board found that the assault leading to his conviction appeared consistent with a broader pattern of manipulative and predatory behaviour. It also concluded that his actions demonstrated a serious lack of self-control and had caused significant harm to victims.
While acknowledging that Hoggard has shown increased accountability in recent years, the board noted that much of that progress occurred only recently. For a considerable period after his conviction and even following the dismissal of his appeal, he continued to deny wrongdoing.
During the parole hearing, however, Hoggard reportedly acknowledged that he knew his conduct had been wrong when allegations first surfaced but chose to deny them due to fear, embarrassment, and concerns about the consequences.
The board also considered the fact that Hoggard only recently admitted his guilt to members of his family, including his wife, despite maintaining their support throughout the legal proceedings.
Although his wife, parents, and family remain supportive and were prepared to accommodate him if full parole had been granted, the board concluded that family support alone was insufficient. Members noted that he had concealed the truth from loved ones for years and therefore required ongoing professional oversight rather than relying solely on personal relationships for accountability.
The decision means Hoggard will continue serving his sentence under strict supervision while parole authorities assess his ability to safely reintegrate into society. Any future request for full parole will depend on his performance during the day parole period and his ability to demonstrate sustained accountability, responsibility, and compliance with release conditions.