Full Breakdown
Ontario's Oversized Speed Signs: A Costly Misstep
11/28/2025, 7:56:13 PM
Background on Speed Camera Ban
In November 2023, Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government enacted a ban on automated speed enforcement cameras, claiming that large signs and flashing lights would be more effective in reducing speeding. This decision was made swiftly, with the legislation introduced at the beginning of the fall session and passed into law within two weeks. The province subsequently provided oversized temporary signs for 20 school zones in Toronto and Ottawa as replacements for the removed speed cameras.
The Signage Issue
Upon delivery, the signs proved to be too large for the existing poles in both cities, necessitating the installation of new poles. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow confirmed that the city received signs for 20 school zones but would require new poles to mount them. A spokesperson for Ottawa echoed this sentiment, stating that their bilingual signs were also oversized. Both cities were informed that the province would cover the costs associated with the new installations.
Official Responses
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria stated that municipalities had been briefed on the sign sizes weeks prior and were expected to prepare accordingly. He emphasized that the province would handle the costs of new poles if necessary. “I think the City of Ottawa can figure out how to install a sign, just like every other municipality,” Sarkaria remarked, suggesting that the issue was one of local execution rather than provincial oversight.
Criticism and Opposition
Opposition figures have criticized the Ford government's handling of the situation. Ontario Liberal MPP John Fraser expressed skepticism about the government's haste, suggesting that the oversized signs were a result of rushing the process. “They’re in such a hurry that they sent oversized signs,” Fraser stated, highlighting concerns over the lack of proper planning. Chow also noted that the previous speed camera program had been effective in saving lives and funding safety initiatives, raising questions about the rationale behind the ban.
Premier Ford's Reaction
Premier Doug Ford responded to the criticism with humor, stating he “broke out laughing” upon hearing about the sign size issue. He attributed the problem to local government incompetence, asserting that other municipalities had successfully managed the installation of the signs. Ford reiterated his belief that large signs and physical deterrents like speed bumps are more effective than automated enforcement.
What's Next?
As Toronto and Ottawa work to address the installation of the oversized signs, the provincial government has committed to covering the associated costs. However, the broader implications of the speed camera ban and the effectiveness of the new measures remain under scrutiny, with ongoing debates about traffic safety and municipal planning in Ontario.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have to get new poles. The province said they would cover the cost,” — Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
- “When they told me this, I broke out laughing,” — Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
- “The signs that were sent are ridiculously large,” — John Fraser, Ontario Liberal MPP
