In a decisive move that has sparked debate across Northern Ontario, Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre confirmed this week that the city’s automated speed enforcement cameras are here to stay, despite vocal opposition from some residents and business owners.
“The data speaks for itself,” Mayor Lefebvre stated during Tuesday’s council meeting. “In areas where these cameras have been deployed, we’ve seen a 67% reduction in speeding violations and a 42% decrease in traffic incidents involving pedestrians. Public safety must remain our top priority.”
The automated speed enforcement program, first introduced in 2022 as a pilot initiative, has expanded to cover 15 school and community safety zones throughout Greater Sudbury. Revenue generated from the program has exceeded initial projections, with the city collecting approximately $4.2 million in fines last year alone—funds that officials say are being reinvested into road safety infrastructure.
Critics of the program, including the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, have raised concerns about the impact on local businesses and tourism. Chamber president Michael Thompson argues that the cameras create a “gotcha” atmosphere that could deter visitors.
“We understand the safety concerns, but many business owners report customers avoiding certain shopping districts because they fear getting unexpected tickets in the mail,” Thompson told CO24 News.
The mayor’s announcement comes following a comprehensive six-month review of the program by city staff, which analyzed both safety outcomes and public feedback. The report, presented to council on Monday, recommended making the program permanent while implementing several modifications to address community concerns.
Among these changes is a new “first-time warning” system for residents who haven’t previously received a ticket, as well as improved signage to ensure drivers are adequately warned before entering camera zones. Additionally, the city plans to implement a more transparent review process for determining where cameras are placed.
Ward 5 Councillor Michelle Parsons, who initially opposed the program, has changed her position after reviewing the safety data. “I was skeptical at first, but the evidence is compelling. In my ward alone, we’ve seen a dramatic reduction in dangerous driving near elementary schools,” she explained.
The decision places Sudbury among a growing number of Canadian municipalities embracing automated enforcement technology. According to the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals, more than 35 cities across the country now employ similar systems, with Toronto and Ottawa reporting comparable safety improvements.
Provincial regulations require that all revenue generated from speed cameras be used exclusively for road safety initiatives. Sudbury’s 2024-2025 budget allocates these funds toward pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures, and improved street lighting in high-risk areas.
As implementation of the permanent program moves forward, the question remains: will other Northern Ontario communities follow Sudbury’s lead in embracing automated enforcement, or will they seek alternative approaches to addressing road safety concerns in an increasingly technology-driven world?
