Toronto's Most Targeted Speed Camera Cut Down Again

In a troubling trend, Toronto's notorious speed camera near Parkside Drive and Algonquin Avenue has been vandalized for the fourth time in just five months. Advocates say this automated speed enforcement camera, originally installed after a tragic crash in 2021 that took the lives of an elderly couple, is under siege once more.

A Cash Cow for the City

Since its initiation in 2022, the camera has issued over 66,000 tickets, generating millions in fines for the city. As the City of Toronto plans to increase the number of speed cameras from 75 to 150, recent statistics reveal that in 2024 alone, fines reached approximately $40 million, significantly up from $34 million collected during a prior two-year span.

Community Concerns Ignored

Faraz Gholizadeh, co-chair of Safe Parkside, expressed his frustration over the camera's repeated destruction. "I wasn’t surprised at all. Honestly, I expected this to happen sooner," he stated. Gholizadeh points out that the street design, which resembles a multi-lane expressway, exacerbates speeding issues, making it feel like drivers own the road.

Vandalism Reflects Deeper Issues

Public records show that this speed camera has outstandingly issued 66,231 tickets. However, it has also been a favorite target for vandalism, including a bizarre incident where it was uprooted and thrown into a pond. Gholizadeh argues that these cameras serve merely as temporary solutions, stating: "These cameras are just a Band-Aid. They aren’t addressing the root cause of speeding in Toronto."

Ongoing Police Investigation

Toronto police are currently investigating the latest act of vandalism but have yet to identify any suspects. They noted that charges for such acts could range from mischief under or over $5,000. Interestingly, the city clarified that the speed cameras are operated by a vendor, which is responsible for repairs and reporting vandalism incidents to authorities.

A Call for Action

Despite ongoing community consultations, Gholizadeh feels little has changed. "They’ve been examining Parkside for years and have all the data they need to make improvements," he lamented. Until meaningful changes happen, he fears that both speeding and dangerous incidents on Parkside will persist.

The Human Cost of Reckless Driving

With lives at stake, Gholizadeh emphasizes the moral imperative to address these issues. "The road is overwhelmed by speeding cars, resulting in tragic losses. No one-minute commute is worth someone's life," he concluded.