Automated speed enforcement (ASE) is set to launch in Renfrew County, with the first photo radar cameras being installed in Renfrew, Petawawa, and Laurentian Valley.
County Director of Public Works and Engineering, Lee Perkins, notified municipalities that signage will go up 90 days before the cameras are activated. The cameras will target high-risk zones near schools and pedestrian crossings, including Raglan Street in Renfrew, Petawawa Boulevard at Pine View Public School, and Round Lake Road at Rockwood Public School.
Approved by County Council, the initiative aims to improve safety and reduce speeding in school zones. Tickets will be issued through the County’s Provincial Offences Act office.
At a Renfrew council meeting, Coun. Clint McWhirter addressed public backlash on social media, clarifying that the cameras are a county initiative. “We didn’t put them in—Renfrew County did,” he said. County Warden Peter Emon acknowledged public concerns and said the county is monitoring the situation closely.
(Richard Evans)