Speed cameras coming to the Sault
In an effort to curb speeding on city roads, Sault Ste. Marie is beginning the process of deploying automated speed enforcement cameras.
However, the approval from city council was not unanimous, with some members of council – including the mayor – stating speed limit enforcement is best left to the police.
The use of speed cameras was first recommended by the city’s speed management task force in 2022. This week, council was asked to endorse the use of the cameras at a preliminary cost of around $1 million.
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said he doesn’t anticipate high returns on that investment.
“Hiring more people to process the tickets and administering the system and making sure there’s public works available when these things are ultimately vandalized, because they’ve been vandalized in every community they’re in,” Shoemaker said.
“I feel that it’s a lot of work for fairly minimal return.”
While Shoemaker said speed enforcement is best handled by the police, Coun. Lisa Vezeau-Allen said officers can’t be everywhere at once.
“It’s not like when you see somebody speeding down Queen Street at 1 in the afternoon going 70 kilometres an hour, you’re not going to call 911 to get a dispatch to give them a ticket and it’s already happened,” Vezeau-Allen said.
Shoemaker contends there are other, longer-term solutions to speeding that should be considered.
“Parking on the sides of the road, which is proven to reduce speed,” he said.
“A straight, flat road is a perfect surface for folks to speed on, so roads with curves in them or that are angled certain ways.”
But Vezeau-Allen said the deployment of speed cameras will mean police resources can be spent elsewhere.
“I think we need to embrace technology that is available, and I think this will create a safer environment in our community,” she said.
Although council ultimately voted in favour of using speed cameras, it could take up to two years before they’re deployed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Latest deadly weather in U.S. kills at least 20 as storms carve path of ruin across multiple states
Powerful storms killed at least 20 people, injured hundreds and left a wide trail of destruction across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where dozens sought shelter during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
U of T protesters don't plan to pack up, will hold rally at eviction deadline
Pro-Palestinian protesters who have been camped out at the University of Toronto for weeks say they have no plans to honour the terms of a trespass notice issued by the school and clear the demonstration site by 8 a.m. today.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.