New Tecumseth eyes red light cameras in 2027 budget
Posted April 23, 2026
New Tecumseth council is being asked to fund townwide studies next year as it considers whether to introduce red-light cameras at signalized intersections.
A staff report going to committee of the whole on Monday recommends council direct staff to prepare a 2027 budget request to carry out red-light signal violation studies at all 36 town- and county-owned signalized intersections.
The proposed studies would cost an estimated $57,600, plus contingency and HST, including about $46,400 for town-owned intersections and $11,200 for seven intersections under Simcoe County jurisdiction.
Staff were directed last November to examine the feasibility and cost of red-light cameras, particularly in community safety zones, after the province moved away from automated speed enforcement cameras.
The report says New Tecumseth should wait for the City of Barrie to launch its own red-light camera program and joint processing centre, expected in late 2026, before making final decisions on implementation and costs.
Barrie previously operated a joint processing centre used by the town for automated speed enforcement matters.
Staff also recommend returning to council later with a prioritized list of intersections and proposed warrants or thresholds for camera placement.
The report notes Ontario has only one approved supplier for red-light camera systems — Jenoptik — and that the City of Toronto currently operates the province’s only active joint processing centre for such tickets.
Upfront construction costs for a single camera installation are estimated at $40,000 to $50,000, with total annual costs for one location projected at between $156,000 and $257,500 when staffing, operations and processing are included.
The report says ticket volumes and potential revenue remain unknown until traffic data is collected.
Under provincial rules, red-light camera tickets carry a total payable fine of $328.25, including a $260 set fine, a victim surcharge and licence plate access fee. No demerit points are issued and the offence does not affect a driver’s record.
Staff said the primary purpose of any program would be to improve compliance with traffic signals and reduce collisions involving vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
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