Secret Locations of Ottawa’s Speed Cameras: What Every Driver Should Know

If you’ve been driving around Ottawa lately, you might have noticed an increase in speed cameras throughout the city. These automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras are part of a broader initiative aimed at improving road safety, especially in areas where speeding has historically been an issue. Here’s what you need to know about how these cameras work, the fines associated with them, and their locations.

The Purpose of Speed Cameras

Ottawa’s speed camera program is designed to enhance safety on the roads, particularly in “community safety zones,” which often include school areas and parks. This initiative is part of Ontario’s Safer School Zones Act, which aims to reduce speeding and protect pedestrians. According to pilot studies conducted in the city, school zones equipped with ASEs have seen compliance with speed limits increase significantly, with a reported drop in speeding by 72% for those exceeding the limit by 15 km/h or more.

How Speed Cameras Work

Currently, Ottawa has 60 ASE cameras operating across the city, a significant increase from previous years. When a vehicle exceeds the speed limit and is captured by one of these cameras, the vehicle owner receives a ticket by mail. It’s important to note that these tickets are issued regardless of who was driving at the time.

One notable aspect of the speed camera program is that fines are automatically doubled in community safety zones. Depending on how fast a driver exceeds the limit, fines can reach up to $720. Unlike traditional speeding tickets, these camera-issued tickets do not accumulate demerit points or affect the driver’s record since the camera cannot identify the driver.

Identifying Speed Cameras

To help drivers stay informed, the City of Ottawa installs “coming soon” signs before new ASE cameras become operational. These signs are displayed for at least 90 days prior to the camera starting to issue tickets. Additionally, once a camera is active, a “municipal speed camera in use” sign will be present at the location.

Where Are the Speed Cameras Located?

Ottawa’s speed cameras are strategically placed in various locations across the city to maximize their effectiveness in reducing speeding incidents. Here’s a list of some of the secret locations where these cameras have been installed:

• Longfields Dr. between Highbury Park Dr. and Via Verona Ave.
• Innes Rd. between Provence Ave. and Trim Rd.
• Bayshore Dr. between Woodridge Cres. (north) and Woodridge Cres. (south)
• Katimavik Rd. between Castlefrank Rd. and McGibbon Dr.
• Watters Rd. between Charlemagne Blvd. and Roberval Ave.
• Ogilvie Rd. between Appleford St. and Elmlea Gate
• Smyth Rd. between Haig Dr. and Edgecomb St.
• Meadowlands Dr. W. between Winthrow Ave. and Thatcher St.
• Bearbrook Rd. between Centrepark Dr. and Innes Rd.
• Alta Vista Dr. between Ayers Ave. and Ridgemont Ave.
• Greenbank Rd. between Harrison St. and Banner Rd.
• Abbott St. E. between Moss Hill Trail and Shea Rd.
• St. Laurent Blvd. between Noranda Ave. and Clarke Ave.
• Tenth Line Rd. between Amiens St. and Des Épinettes Ave.
• Fisher Ave. between Kintyre Priv. and Deer Park Rd.
• Kanata Ave. between Goulbourn Forced Rd. and Walden Dr.
• Abbeyhill Dr. between Aldburn Pl. and Sherwood St.
• Woodroffe Ave. between Georgina Dr. and Hwy. 417
• Bridgestone Dr. between Sunnybrooke Dr. and Granite Crt.
• Greenbank Rd. between Jockvale Rd. and Half Moon Bay Rd.
• Stittsville Main St. between Bandelier Way and Hazeldean Rd.
• Chapman Mills Dr. between Beatrice Dr. and Meadgate Gate
• Crestway Dr. between Oldfield St. and Cresthaven Dr.
• Woodroffe Ave. between Anthony Ave. and Saville Row
• Portobello Blvd. between Capreol St. and Aquaview Dr.
• Cambrian Rd. between Greenbank Rd. and Kilbirnie Dr.
• Cedarview Rd. between Fallowfield Rd. and Jockvale Rd./Hélène-Campbell Rd.
• First Ave. between Chrysler St. and Percy St.

• Jeanne d’Arc Blvd. N. between Orleans Blvd. and Paddler Way/Vorlage Dr.
• Spratt Rd. between Shoreline Dr. and Canyon Walk Dr.
• Stonehaven Dr. between Bridle Park Dr. and Tandalee Cr.
• Heron Rd. between Alta Vista Dr. and Baycrest Dr.
• Kelly Farm Dr. between Shepody Cir. and Findlay Creek Dr.
• Berrigan Dr. between Croxley Way and Claridge Dr.
• Hunt Club Rd. between Pike St. and Lorry Greenberg Dr.
• Walkley Rd. between Halifax Dr. and Harding Rd.
• Montreal Rd. between Bethamy Lane and Ogilvie Rd.
• King Edward Ave. between Cathcart St. and St. Patrick St.
• Riverside Dr. between Mooney’s Bay Pl. and Ridgewood Ave.
• Bronson Ave. between University Dr. and Brewer Way
• Bridge St. between West River Dr. and Arthur Cr.
• Cassidy Rd. between Bruin Ln. (north) and Bruin Ln. (south)/Bruin Rd.
• Castlefrank Rd. between Kakulu Rd. and Hungerford Gate
• Colonial Rd. between Delson Dr. and Frank Kenny Rd.
• Crichton St. between Vaughan St. and St. Patrick St.
• Gardenway Dr. between Saturn Cr./Paradise Cr. and Northlands Dr.
• Kitchener Ave. between Cochrane St. and Jasper Ave.
• Knoxdale Rd. between Skipton Rd. and Cremona Cr.
• Longfields Dr. between Strandherd Dr. and Marketplace Ave.
• Main St. between Evelyn Ave. and Springhurst Ave.
• Merivale Rd. between MacFarlane Rd. and Brookdale Ave.
• Ogilvie Rd. between La Vérendrye Dr. and Kender Ave.
• Old Richmond Rd. between Kimberly Rd. and Tanglewood Dr.
• Ottawa St. between McBean St. and Cockburn St.
• Prince of Wales Dr. between Falaise Rd./Kochar Dr. and Normandy Cr./Kochar Dr.
• Queen Mary St. between Edith Ave. and Quill St.
• Stittsville Main St. between Hobin St. and Beverly St.
• Stoneway Dr. between Forest Gate Way and Mountain Ash Dr.
• Terry Fox Dr. between Old Second Line Rd. and Richardson Side Rd.
• Walkley Rd. between Colliston Cr. (north)/Albion Rd. and Colliston Cr. (south)

This is just a selection of the many locations where speed cameras can be found throughout Ottawa.

Understanding how Ottawa’s speed camera program operates can help drivers avoid hefty fines and contribute to safer roadways for everyone. With more cameras being installed and increased compliance with speed limits, it’s clear that this initiative is making a positive impact on road safety in the city. So next time you’re driving, stay mindful of your speed—especially in community safety zones—to keep both yourself and others safe on the road.