New program aims to support traffic-calming measures in school and community safety zones

The Government of Ontario has announced the creation of the Road Safety Initiatives Fund (RSIF), a new $210 million program that will help municipalities implement physical traffic-calming measures in school zones and community safety zones.

The fund focuses on supporting proven, engineering-based approaches to reducing speeds and improving safety, including speed bumps, raised crosswalks, roundabouts, high-visibility signage, and increased police enforcement. These measures are intended to enhance safety in sensitive areas while avoiding direct costs to drivers and taxpayers.

The RSIF follows the province’s recent decision to discontinue the use of automated speed enforcement systems. In place of camera-based enforcement, the province is directing funding toward infrastructure that encourages safer driver behaviour through road design and visibility improvements.

As part of the first phase of the program, Ontario is providing $42 million in immediate funding to municipalities that previously operated speed cameras. This initial investment will help communities begin installing traffic-calming measures in the zones where cameras were formerly used.

The remaining $168 million will be allocated through an application process expected to open early next year. Municipalities will be able to submit proposals outlining the safety improvements they intend to build, along with construction timelines and expected benefits.

Good Roads welcomes the introduction of the Road Safety Initiatives Fund. By investing directly in road design and safety infrastructure, the province is offering municipalities practical tools to address speeding, protect vulnerable road users, and strengthen community safety.

More details on eligibility and application timelines will be shared with municipalities as the program rollout continues.