Premier Doug Ford has criticized the city of Toronto regarding complaints about new road signs intended to replace pole-mounted speed cameras. The province recently outlawed speed cameras, which Ford described as a “cash grab” for drivers. This decision came despite appeals from mayors, researchers, and families advocating for improvements to the existing legislation instead of its elimination.

On Wednesday, Mayor Olivia Chow and Ottawa city councillors expressed concerns that the 80 new temporary signs for 20 school zones in Toronto, which previously had permanent speed cameras, are oversized and do not fit standard city poles. Additionally, Brampton council members raised issues that the new signs could obstruct sightlines for pedestrians and other critical signage.

“When they told me this, I broke out laughing,” Ford remarked to reporters at Queen’s Park. He noted that other municipalities have not reported similar problems, saying, “So let’s get this straight: all the other municipalities, there’s no problem. But sure enough, it’s Toronto again and Ottawa.”

The dimensions of Toronto’s signs are three feet wide and nearly seven or eight feet tall, comparable to the height of a standard road safety sign pole. In contrast, Ottawa’s signs stand at 12 feet tall, supported by thick wooden poles. Ford questioned the city’s ability to manage the installation of larger signs, recalling his experience as a city councillor from 2010 to 2014. “I think it’s just another excuse. You don’t like the signs? Put up the speed bumps … It’s a joke. I can’t believe it,” he added.

Research has shown that signs are not very effective in deterring speeding and aggressive driving. A recent analysis indicated that most of Toronto’s speed camera locations do not qualify for the province’s preferred traffic calming measures. Only 21 out of 150 locations are eligible for speed humps or cushions, while none can receive speed bumps or roundabouts.

Chow acknowledged the size issue, stating, “Yes, (the signs) are too big, and we have to get new poles.” She confirmed that the province would fund the new poles needed for the signs. The Ministry of Transportation has previously stated it would reimburse municipalities for the installation costs of these oversized temporary signs, but it has not clarified if this reimbursement includes the cost of new poles. Chow’s office indicated that the province has confirmed it will cover the cost of the new poles.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford, claiming he “can’t even produce a sign that fits” city poles and accused him of shifting the blame for the issue. Ford, who stated he generally has a good working relationship with Chow, has faced increasing tensions with the city over the speed camera replacement rollout.

Just before the speed cameras were banned, the province announced $42 million in immediate funding for 40 municipalities to replace their speed cameras with traffic-calming infrastructure through a new Road Safety Initiatives Fund. An additional $168 million will be available for municipalities to apply for early next year. However, Chow has stated that the total funding does not meet Toronto’s estimated needs of $245 million for operating and capital costs to ensure road user safety. The fines from speed cameras previously funded Toronto’s 900 school crossing guards, and without this revenue, Chow warned that those positions could be at risk.

A ministry spokesperson noted that Toronto had fully funded its crossing guard program before the implementation of speed enforcement cameras, adding that other municipalities manage to fund their programs without imposing heavy taxes on residents.

On Thursday, Ford responded to concerns about the limited number of signs provided to Toronto, saying, “It’s amazing. ‘The signs you gave me are too big, but I need more signs.’ You must think I just fell off the turnip truck.” Chow did not explicitly request additional signage but noted that unless the province changes its stance, only 20 locations will receive signs, and they cannot be rotated.

Looking ahead, Ford predicted that automated speed enforcement and road safety will be significant issues in the upcoming municipal elections in 2026. Chow is expected to announce her candidacy for re-election, while former mayor John Tory is still considering his options. The only candidate who has publicly declared their intention to run is Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford.