Ottawa speed camera rollout in doubt after Ford’s ban vow

Provincial decision disrupts city’s expansion plans

The City of Ottawa’s plan to install 24 new automated speed enforcement cameras this year is in jeopardy after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Thursday that his government will move to prohibit the technology provincewide.

Ford rejects cameras as unfair to drivers

Speaking at Queen’s Park, Ford described speed cameras as “a cash grab” that unfairly penalize drivers. He pledged that legislation would be tabled within weeks to eliminate their use, six years after municipalities were first allowed to adopt the devices.
“Enough is enough,” Ford said. “We’re going to protect taxpayers and stop them from being gouged.”

Ottawa councillors push back

Several Ottawa councillors expressed concern that the province is acting without offering alternatives. Alta Vista Councillor Marty Carr questioned the evidence behind Ford’s decision, pointing to studies showing cameras reduce speeding.
Her concern extends beyond safety. “Revenue from fines helps fund road safety infrastructure,” she said. “How will we replace that?”

Safety versus revenue debate

In 2023, Ottawa collected nearly $30 million from speed camera fines, which city officials say goes back into community safety. Councillor Tim Tierney acknowledged complaints about cameras outside of school zones but urged compromise instead of a total ban.
“Throwing the baby out with the bathwater is not the best way forward,” he said, suggesting refinements rather than elimination.

City leaders seek provincial talks

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said while he views the cameras as an effective safety tool, the city must defer to provincial authority. “They had the authority to put it in place, they have the authority to take it away,” Sutcliffe said. He added he is open to working with the province on alternatives to curb speeding, particularly near schools.

What comes next for traffic safety

Ford indicated the government will support physical traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, and flashing speed signs. Ottawa officials, however, warn these tools may not fully replace automated enforcement in high-risk zones.
Tierney said he plans to meet with Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria in the coming weeks and has urged the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to weigh in.

The fate of Ottawa’s 60 existing speed cameras—and its planned expansion—now rests on whether Ford’s government follows through with its promised legislation this fall.

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Ontario Seeks Public Input on New Northwest Power Plan

Provincial call for participation

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Ontario’s provincial electricity planner, has launched a public engagement process to shape a new regional power plan for northwestern Ontario. The move aims to prepare the grid for rising demand driven by population growth and mining projects.

Rising demand projections

A recent IESO forecast suggests electricity demand north of Dryden could more than double by 2050, with even greater increases possible under high-growth scenarios. To address these pressures, IESO recommends new transmission lines to support expanding communities and industrial operations.

Infrastructure proposals

Beverly Nollert, IESO’s director of transmission planning, said the agency has identified several key transmission needs, including new lines connecting Sudbury, Barrie, Timmins, Wawa, and extending north of Dryden to Red Lake. She emphasized that these investments are vital to ensure a reliable supply of power for both residents and industry.

Importance for local growth

According to Nollert, reliable transmission infrastructure enables communities to expand and attracts industrial projects such as mining. “It allows industries to locate within the northwest and contributes to economic development opportunities across the region,” she said.

Community engagement process

The IESO has begun an 18-month consultation, inviting feedback from Indigenous communities, municipalities, developers, and consumers. The goal is to reflect local priorities in technical planning and to gather community input before final recommendations are adopted.

Mining sector concerns

Earlier this year, the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association’s (NOMA) Northwest Energy Task Force warned that electricity shortfalls could threaten the region’s mining boom. With 41 major exploration projects underway—37 aiming to be operational by 2033—the task force estimated the region will need about 250 megawatts of new generation capacity.

Regional power requirements

NOMA’s findings highlighted specific needs: 175 megawatts for mines in the Greenstone, Beardmore, Lake Nipigon, and Ring of Fire areas; 57 megawatts along the North Shore of Lake Superior; 123 megawatts for Ear Falls and Red Lake; and 120 megawatts for Thunder Bay. Local leaders stress that meeting these targets will be critical to sustaining economic growth.

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Expansion Project Faces Unexpected Cost Surge

The City of Yellowknife is reassessing plans to expand its 36-year-old fire hall after all contractor bids came in drastically over budget. While the city earmarked $21 million for the renovation and expansion, the three bids received in the latest tender process ranged from $35 million to more than $39 million.

Revisiting a Long-Needed Upgrade

Originally built in 1989 when Yellowknife’s population was around 15,000, the current fire hall no longer meets the needs of a city now exceeding 20,000 residents. A 2021 report to city council identified several critical deficiencies, including inadequate HVAC systems, no air locks to contain exhaust emissions, and insufficient space for expanded staff and equipment.

Budget Planning vs. Market Reality

City manager Stephen Van Dine said the bids were unexpectedly high, especially given that the original 2020 cost estimate ranged between $3 million and $7 million. “We didn’t expect it to be this much higher, but as it turned out, the study in 2020 didn’t think so either,” he remarked. “Now we’re faced with an inflated price, so the question today is—where to from here?”

Next Steps Under Consideration

With $10 million set aside for this year and an additional $5 million planned for 2026 and 2027, city staff are pausing the tender process to evaluate other paths forward. One option being discussed is constructing a new facility altogether. Van Dine stated the decision may be revisited during the 2026 budget cycle—or brought to council sooner.

Operations Continue, But Concerns Remain

For now, the fire hall remains operational, although not ideal. Van Dine emphasized there are no immediate health or safety threats but acknowledged the urgency of addressing the building’s deficiencies. “If there was an imminent health and safety risk, we’d take whatever measures necessary to make it a safe place to work,” he said.

No Federal or Territorial Aid Available

Unlike other capital projects, the fire hall expansion does not qualify for federal or territorial funding. The full cost would fall on the city’s capital budget. Van Dine noted, “This isn’t one of those projects where we’re eligible for offsets from higher levels of government. It comes down to decisions with council.”

Project Scope Was Ambitious

The tender documents exceeded 1,000 pages and proposed a full overhaul, including structural renovations, new HVAC and plumbing systems, updated roofing, exterior upgrades, and modern furnishings. With bids far surpassing expectations, city officials must now weigh whether to scale back, rebuild, or postpone the project entirely.

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Developers Push Back Against New Official Plan

A group of developers is calling for a meeting with P.E.I. Housing, Land and Communities Minister Steven Myers before he signs off on Charlottetown’s newly adopted official plan. They argue that the plan’s restrictive measures could hinder downtown growth and investment.

Long-Awaited Plan Faces Industry Resistance

The updated official plan, approved by Charlottetown City Council last week, marks the first major revision since 1999. It sets the framework for land use, development, and density within city limits. While city officials emphasize a balance between growth and heritage preservation, several developers say the plan tightens regulations and leaves little room for economic expansion in the downtown core.

Key Developer Voices Concerns on Density

Tim Banks, CEO of APM MacLean, a leading construction and property development firm, voiced significant concerns over the plan’s direction. “This new official plan tightens restrictions without mentioning growth,” said Banks. “We’re being shut out by a restrictive set of bylaws.”

Banks pointed to the city’s historic 500-lot area as an example, noting that one of his downtown projects took nearly five years to complete due to regulatory hurdles—something he believes could have been done in under two.

Height Restrictions a Sticking Point

Banks advocates for taller buildings in urban areas, especially in land-constrained cities like Charlottetown. “We live on a little island. If we want to grow, we have to go up,” he said. He criticized the plan for failing to support vertical growth, which he believes is essential for addressing housing demand and sustaining economic development.

Mixed Public Feedback on Housing Types

A recent city survey showed that 72% of respondents support increased housing, with secondary dwellings being the preferred option. However, Banks argued that such solutions don’t suit the 500-lot area due to limited space. “Density comes from building up, not from backyard garden suites,” he said.

City Aims to Balance Growth and Heritage

In response to the concerns, Deputy Mayor Alanna Jankov emphasized the city’s goal of achieving long-term sustainable growth while preserving the historic character of downtown Charlottetown. “A vibrant city centre that supports housing diversity and accessibility is at the heart of our new Official Plan,” she said in a written statement.

The city is currently accepting public feedback on proposed zoning and development bylaw amendments, which could refine aspects of the plan.

Minister to Hear Developers Before Decision

A spokesperson for the Department of Housing, Land and Communities confirmed that Minister Myers has agreed to meet with the developers. The meeting will offer them a chance to raise concerns before the minister formally approves the plan.

The outcome of that meeting may determine whether Charlottetown’s official plan moves forward as-is or undergoes further revision to accommodate economic and development pressures.

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City Council Approves Major Shelter Expansion

The City of Surrey has approved a two-phase initiative to install nearly 60 new bus shelters across the city starting this July. With transit ridership rapidly increasing, the move aims to enhance comfort, accessibility, and encourage public transit use among residents.

Project to Begin in July, Targeting High-Ridership Zones

The first phase of the shelter expansion will run from July through September 2024, followed by a second phase from September to December. The shelters will be prioritized for installation at bus stops with 95 or more daily boardings, particularly along busy corridors like 128 Street in Newton and 108 Avenue in the City Centre.

Partnership with Pattison Outdoor Advertising

Under a new 20-year agreement with Pattison Outdoor Advertising, the city can request up to 10 ad-supported shelters annually at no cost. In 2024, Pattison will install 30 shelters in high-traffic areas and manage ongoing maintenance, with advertising revenue expected to offset operating costs.

Funding and Focus on Underserved Areas

To ensure equitable access, city council allocated $950,000 from the Community Works Fund Agreement to support up to 30 additional shelters this year. These will be placed in underserved neighborhoods identified through public input, not solely based on ridership metrics.

Long-Term Transit Infrastructure Vision

Engineering General Manager Scott Neuman emphasized that shelter placements should balance ridership with community needs: “Enhancing weather protection for transit users supports existing riders and attracts new ones.” The plan also includes potential expansion in 2025, contingent on further Community Works funding and public demand.

Strong Community Support

Council’s decision received positive feedback. “Almost 60 covered bus shelters for our city is amazing to hear,” said Councillor Pardeep Kooner. “Many are in heavy-traffic areas where I’ve seen people huddled under umbrellas.”

This initiative marks a key step in Surrey’s broader effort to modernize its transit infrastructure and improve commuter experience city-wide.

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