Mississauga, ON – With reports indicating that the Ontario government may move to eliminate automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras across the province, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish and members of City Council are calling on Premier Doug Ford to allow the devices to remain in place in school zones, where they have proven most effective in slowing down drivers and protecting children.
During Wednesday’s council meeting, Mayor Parrish proposed sending a formal letter to the Premier urging him to preserve ASE cameras at school sites. “If we have to start putting speed bumps on 150 school sites, it’s going to cost a fortune,” Parrish said. “That money could be spent in much better ways. These cameras are keeping our kids safe.”
Deputy Mayor Matt Mahoney noted growing indications that the province intends to scrap the program and possibly replace it with speed bumps, but warned this would be costly and logistically challenging. Mississauga would need to compete with 443 other municipalities for funding and approvals.
Council members emphasized that ASE cameras are about safety, not revenue generation. Ward 6 Councillor Joe Horneck pointed to statistics showing that the average ticket issued in Mississauga targets drivers travelling 16 km/h over the posted 30 or 40 km/h limit, with 484 drivers ticketed for speeds exceeding the limit by 50 km/h or more. “Municipalities are united in saying this is about safety,” Horneck said. “It is not a cash grab.”
Transportation and Works Commissioner Sam Rogers confirmed city staff are actively monitoring the situation and preparing financial impact assessments should the ASE program be cancelled.
While the program has been successful, Ward 7 Councillor Dipika Damerla suggested improvements in how camera deployments are communicated to residents, noting the need to reduce the “gotcha” perception when cameras rotate between locations.
Mississauga first introduced ASE cameras in 2021. In June 2024, the City renewed contracts for 22 cameras and committed to adding up to 60 more by 2028. Cameras rotate between school and community safety zones, with signs posted at least 90 days in advance and locations published on the City’s website.
Mayor Parrish emphasized the City’s message is clear: “Mississauga is prepared to work with the province, but we must keep these cameras protecting our school zones. Children’s safety cannot be compromised.”