Ontario Bans Speed Cameras: Parkside Drive’s Fateful End

UPDATE: Ontario has officially banned speed cameras, marking a controversial end for the notorious Parkside Drive speed camera that has been a fixture since April 14, 2022. The ban, confirmed by Premier Doug Ford on November 14, 2025, signals a dramatic shift in traffic enforcement that could have lasting repercussions across the province.

The Parkside Drive camera, a symbol of Toronto’s automated speed enforcement program, issued over 70,000 tickets and generated more than $8 million in fines. This efficient enforcement made it a target for vandals, who cut it down seven times during its brief existence. The camera’s fate became a subject of public outcry and political debate as it faced increasing scrutiny from both citizens and officials.

Authorities report that discussions about bike lanes on Parkside Drive in November 2024 ignited the initial wave of vandalism. Each time it was repaired, it was met with further attacks, including attempts to drown it in High Park’s Duck Pond and even theft. Despite police surveillance, no arrests were made in connection with the repeated assaults.

The backlash against speed cameras peaked in September 2025 when 16 cameras were taken down in a single night, prompting a wave of complaints from the public. Many drivers voiced their frustrations, branding the cameras as cash grabs. A Canadian Automobile Association survey revealed that 73 percent of Ontario drivers actually supported speed cameras, contrasting sharply with the political narrative against them.

In a swift political move, Premier Ford announced the ban on speed cameras, stating it was to protect taxpayers. Critics, including Carrie Mitchell, an assistant professor at the University of Waterloo, argue that the decision lacks logic and reflects a populist agenda. “It’s really hard to make sense of because it doesn’t make any sense,” Mitchell stated, highlighting the potential dangers this decision poses on road safety.

Residents and advocacy groups, such as Safe Parkside, are already voicing concerns about the implications of this ban. Co-chair Faraz Gholizadeh expressed frustration, saying, “People are going way too fast, and unfortunately, the city has failed us.” The group had been advocating for more speed cameras, not fewer, suggesting that one on every block would be more effective in ensuring safety.

As Ontario moves forward with the ban, the government promises alternative measures for speed calming, but experts warn that these solutions may not be effective or feasible in many areas. With rising concerns over road safety, especially on Parkside Drive, the community fears that the absence of speed cameras could lead to more fatalities on the roads.

This developing situation raises urgent questions about public safety and the effectiveness of alternative enforcement strategies. As the city of Toronto transitions into a post-speed camera landscape, the fate of its roads and the safety of its drivers hang in the balance.

Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent issue as authorities and communities grapple with the consequences of this significant policy shift.