Ottawa Considers AI to Monitor Transit Cameras for Safety

Transit Officials Outline New Safety Possibilities

OC Transpo officials told Ottawa city councillors Monday that the agency is examining whether artificial intelligence could help detect crime and emergencies across its network. The proposal focuses on using real-time anomaly-detection software to monitor behaviour across vehicles, stations, and facilities.

How the Technology Would Work Across the System

The system under review would scan more than 10,000 existing security cameras to identify unusual activity, including assaults, vandalism, loitering, or signs of distress. Once flagged, the technology would immediately alert on-duty special constables. Transit safety leaders say the goal is FASTER response times and improved rider protection.

Why Ottawa Is Looking to Montreal for Guidance

OC Transpo’s chief special constable Peter Scislowski and chief safety officer Sabrina Pasian recently visited Montreal to study its AI-assisted pilot project. Montreal uses similar technology to identify individuals who may be at risk of self-harm in Metro stations. Ottawa officials say Montreal’s experience highlights how data-driven systems can support modern transit safety strategies.

When the City May Move Forward With a Pilot

According to Pasian, OC Transpo is still in an early research phase, with no formal timeline for implementation. She expects to deliver an update to the transit committee sometime next year as staff evaluate the technology’s reliability, safety benefits, and legal considerations.

Concerns Raised Over Equity and Over-Policing

Advocacy groups are urging caution. Laura Shantz of Ottawa Transit Riders warned councillors that AI-based surveillance could heighten racial profiling or disproportionately target vulnerable people. She questioned whether individuals seeking shelter in stations—such as those at Rideau—might be flagged unfairly by automated systems.

Broader Debate Over Safety and Public Trust

Transit advocates argue that increasing ridership and staffing remains a more proven method of improving safety, noting that “more eyes” at stops naturally deter crime. OC Transpo officials acknowledge the concerns and say community consultation and privacy safeguards will guide any next steps. Pasian emphasized that due diligence will be central as Ottawa considers integrating AI into its long-term public safety strategy.

The post Ottawa Weighs AI System to Spot Crime on Transit Cameras first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Montreal Transit Shutdown Averted After STM, Union Reach Deal

A Late Agreement That Keeps Montreal Moving

A planned weekend shutdown of Montreal’s bus and Metro network was called off Friday night after the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and the union representing drivers and Metro operators reached a tentative agreement. The deal was struck around 7 p.m. following seven days of intense negotiations, preventing a second major service disruption in as many weeks.

Stakeholders Confirm Service Will Run Normally

SCFP 1983, representing approximately 4,500 bus drivers, Metro operators and station agents, announced that service will proceed as usual on Saturday and Sunday. The union said its objective was always to secure a negotiated settlement, noting that the agreement will now be presented to members for a vote in accordance with internal procedures.

Officials Cite Compromise and Stability

The STM said the agreement in principle will remain confidential until it is ratified by both its board of directors and the union membership. STM CEO Marie-Claude Léonard acknowledged that the deal includes compromises from all parties while staying within the agency’s financial limits. She added that the resolution avoids another disruptive strike, in line with a request from Montreal’s new mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada.

Political Leaders Welcome the Resolution

Mayor Martinez Ferrada publicly praised the “intensive work” done by both sides to reach a deal, emphasizing that the strongest agreements are achieved through negotiation. Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet also commended the parties, after earlier efforts to fast-track back-to-work legislation failed due to lack of unanimous political support.

Strike Threat Followed Weeks of Labour Tension

The now-cancelled shutdown had been approved Wednesday by Quebec’s labour tribunal, just hours after maintenance workers ended a month-long strike that had already strained Montreal’s transit operations. The drivers’ union had signalled that talks remained possible, while also attributing the labour conflict to what it described as chronic underfunding by the Legault government.

How the Deal Impacts Riders This Weekend

With the agreement in place, Montrealers can expect full, uninterrupted Metro and bus service throughout the weekend. Further details of the agreement are expected only after formal ratification, marking the next step in efforts to stabilize labour relations within the city’s transit network.

The post Montreal Transit Strike Averted After Last-Minute Deal first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Revenue Plan Aims for Stability

In the heart of the capital, the City of Ottawa, ON unveiled its draft 2026 municipal budget this Wednesday, setting a 3.75 per cent overall tax increase for property owners. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe described the plan as “fiscally responsible”, crafted to protect affordability while continuing crucial investments in city services.

Transit Levies See Dual Increase

To address persistent revenue shortfalls at OC Transpo, the budget imposes a 2.5 per cent transit fare hike and an 8 per cent property tax levy dedicated to transit funding. These increases together exceed the standard 2.9 per cent property-tax rise feeding general services, and contribute to the overall 3.75 per cent average tax bump—translating to roughly $166 more per average household, or under $14 monthly.

Public Safety Gets a Boost

Public safety is a clear priority, with the mayor unveiling a five per cent increase in the police levy—the largest service-specific boost in the plan. The overall police budget will climb by $26.1 million to $414.9 million, enabling the hiring of 25 additional officers, according to city estimates.

Infrastructure and Housing in Focus

Beside policing and transit, the draft budget allocates funds to priority areas including affordable housing (about $23 million toward 350 homes), youth homelessness ($400,000), paramedics, $135 million for road resurfacing and $25.4 million for sidewalk rehabilitation. These investments signal the city’s dual intent to maintain infrastructure and support vulnerable populations ahead of the 2026 municipal election.

Timeline and Next Steps

Following the unveiling, the budget plan will proceed to city committees for public consultations and review. A final vote at city council is planned next month. Spearheading the timeline, Mayor Sutcliffe emphasized the need for transparency and citizen engagement, inviting residents to weigh in on the proposed allocations.

Context and Why It Matters

Facing federal job-cut anxiety and post-pandemic ridership challenges, Ottawa’s leadership describes this budget as a measured approach to prevent “Toronto-style” tax surges and to ensure long-term fiscal health. The move reflects a broader trend in Canadian municipalities balancing tax pressures with infrastructure and service demands.

Implications for Residents and Business Owners

For property-owners and business entities alike, the tax and fare increases mark a key shift: greater investment in city core services comes at a higher cost. Transit-reliant commuters will feel the fare adjustment, while property-owners will absorb the tax rise. Business owners investing in the city may also need to factor in higher operating costs. The public engagement window now open presents an opportunity for stakeholders to voice concerns or support before the final vote.

The post Ottawa’s 2026 Budget Raises Taxes and Transit Fares first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Province Launches Long-Term Transit Vision

The Nova Scotia government has unveiled a comprehensive transportation blueprint aimed at reshaping mobility across Halifax and nearby communities. Public Works Minister Fred Tilley presented the Regional Transportation Plan on Wednesday, positioning it as a transformational roadmap for a region housing 63% of the province’s population.

Major Projects and Feasibility Studies Announced

The plan outlines a series of proposed projects, including inter-municipal bus services, bus rapid transit, a potential new harbour bridge, new ferry terminals, and upgraded highway corridors. Tilley emphasized that while many initiatives are long-term, groundwork such as feasibility studies will begin soon. The province is also moving forward with a passenger rail study around Halifax, with requests for proposals expected imminently.

Short-Term Measures Target Traffic Relief

To address immediate congestion in the Halifax peninsula, several short-term strategies are set to roll out within the next 18 to 24 months. These include adaptive traffic light systems, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, and improvements to the Macdonald Bridge access corridor. These efforts are designed to optimize flow while longer-term investments are developed.

Provincial Oversight and Policy Authority

In a significant shift, the province will pause municipal projects—such as some bike lane developments—if they are deemed to reduce road capacity. This follows legislation passed last spring, granting Nova Scotia the power to override municipal decisions on transportation infrastructure.

Funding Challenges and Federal Collaboration

Tilley described the plan as “aspirational,” acknowledging that several initiatives could cost millions to billions of dollars. While smaller items may be implemented quickly, larger projects depend on federal funding and intergovernmental cooperation. “We’re hopeful Ottawa will step up as a partner,” Tilley added.

Opposition Says Plan Falls Short on Urgency

Opposition parties criticized the release, calling it delayed and ineffective in the short term. NDP Leader Claudia Chender called the report a “wish list”, saying it fails to address Halifax’s growing daily traffic volume of over 1.15 million trips. She urged immediate investment in bus rapid transit, which has been identified as a need for over a decade.

Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette dismissed the plan as a “study of studies,” suggesting that the province lacks the urgency and local collaboration required for real progress.

Long Road Ahead

While the plan signals a serious intent to tackle the region’s transportation challenges, its success hinges on execution, funding, and alignment with Halifax’s municipal leadership. The provincial government has not confirmed when the plan was received or how soon tangible progress will begin.

As Halifax continues to grow, so too does the pressure for action—both immediate and long-term.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

The post Nova Scotia Unveils Bold Halifax Transit Overhaul Plan first appeared on Maple News Wire.

City Council Greenlights Major Transit Upgrade

Toronto City Council has approved priority transit lanes on Bathurst and Dufferin streets, marking a significant step toward easing traffic congestion ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision, made during Wednesday’s council meeting, supports the city’s RapidTO plan to enhance transit service on busy surface routes.

Where the Lanes Will Go

The approved lanes will run south of Bloor Street West. Bathurst Street will receive a streetcar-only lane from Bloor to Lake Shore Boulevard West, with a short exception near Toronto Western Hospital. Dufferin Street will see a bus-only lane stretching from Bloor to King Street West. These routes were modified from earlier proposals to address concerns from local residents and businesses over parking loss.

Why the City Is Moving Forward Now

Mayor Olivia Chow said the decision is driven by the need to improve transit reliability and move more people efficiently during peak hours and major events. With six World Cup matches set to take place in Toronto in 2026, the city is under pressure to modernize its infrastructure.

“Change is always hard, but once it’s in, people love dedicated lanes,” Chow stated. “All major cities have them.”

Council Votes Reveal Divisions

The vote wasn’t without controversy. Council approved the Bathurst lane 18–5 and the Dufferin lane 20–3. Critics like Coun. Stephen Holyday warned of disruptions to car traffic and negative impacts on businesses. “It’s using FIFA as an excuse to wage war on cars,” he said. Others, like Coun. Brad Bradford, called for temporary solutions rather than permanent changes.

Implementation Plan and Next Steps

Construction of the lanes is scheduled to begin this fall. They will feature red Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) coating, new signage, and updated traffic signals. After the World Cup, city staff will evaluate the effectiveness of the lanes and consider extending them north to Eglinton Avenue West.

Transit and Climate Advocates Back the Move

Advocacy groups TTCriders and Toronto Environmental Alliance praised the decision. Andrew Pulsifer, Executive Director of TTCriders, said the lanes will help make transit more attractive and reduce car reliance. Emmay Mah of TEA highlighted the lanes’ role in advancing the city’s climate goals by encouraging greener transportation choices.

A Long-Term Vision for a Growing City

Coun. Dianne Saxe summarized the city’s challenge: “We have far more people than our streets were designed for.” Supporters argue the lanes are not just for the World Cup, but part of a broader vision for sustainable urban mobility in Toronto.

With implementation set to begin soon, the debate around transit versus car infrastructure is expected to continue—along with growing demands for fast, efficient public transportation in Canada’s largest city.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

The post Toronto Council Approves Transit Lanes on Key Routes first appeared on Maple News Wire.