Candidates Clash Over Photo Radar in Elmwood-East Kildonan Race

The race for the city council seat in Elmwood-East Kildonan has intensified, with candidates addressing the controversial use of photo radar in school zones. A prominent issue is the speed trap on Talbot Avenue, which has generated over 65,000 tickets in the past decade, raising millions for the city. The ongoing debate questions whether this technology genuinely enhances safety for students at schools like River Elm and École Voix Des Prairies.

Chris Sweryda and Emma Durand-Wood, two of the seven candidates, have voiced their differing opinions on the effectiveness of photo radar. Sweryda, a law student and independent researcher, argues that the system disproportionately penalizes lower-income drivers. He describes the fines as a “driving tax” that does not address the root causes of unsafe driving. His campaign has garnered support from WiseUp Winnipeg, a group focused on improving road safety and opposing what they term “cash grab traps.”

Durand-Wood, co-founder of Safe Speeds Winnipeg, advocates for utilizing photo radar more effectively. She believes that the revenue generated should be reinvested into community safety measures, such as better signage and traffic-calming infrastructure. “It’s irresponsible to continue using photo-radar without connecting the revenue from enforcement to physically making changes to areas where this is happening a lot,” she stated.

The use of photo radar in Winnipeg began in October 2001, aimed at deterring speeding and red-light violations. Over the years, the system has generated approximately $4 million monthly in fines, according to research conducted by sociologist Curt Pankratz at the University of Winnipeg. This has led to questions about the city’s commitment to genuinely enhancing road safety. Sweryda has expressed concern that the city benefits financially from violations, which could create a conflict of interest in ensuring safer roads.

Candidate Perspectives on Road Safety

The candidates’ differing views highlight a broader conversation about traffic enforcement and public safety. Sweryda, who has dedicated the past 12 years to researching photo radar-related issues, believes that the city should prioritize reducing speed limits and implementing more effective traffic measures. He points out that many local entities benefit from the revenue generated by speeding fines, yet none are seeking alternative funding sources for road safety initiatives.

Durand-Wood, a mother of three, has a personal stake in the issue. She recalls the tragic loss of her brother to a speeding driver at a young age. Her campaign emphasizes the need for community engagement and proactive measures to protect vulnerable road users. “Most people don’t want to speed in a school zone,” she remarked, advocating for systemic changes that prioritize safety over revenue generation.

The candidates face a backdrop of public discontent regarding the repeated ticketing in specific school zones. Mayor Scott Gillingham acknowledges the need for data-informed decisions and is open to considering improvements based on evidence from ongoing city studies, which are expected to be released in early 2026.

Community Engagement and the Future of Traffic Enforcement

As discussions around photo radar continue, community members have taken to social media to express their frustrations. Citizens often report mobile camera locations in online neighbourhood groups, reflecting a growing sentiment against what some view as unfair enforcement practices. Sweryda has noted that this issue can lead to “radicalization” among residents, making them more susceptible to conspiracy theories related to traffic enforcement.

Durand-Wood has found that many residents are eager for change. Conversations on doorsteps reveal widespread concern for the safety of children and elderly pedestrians. She proposes a blanket 30 km/h speed limit in residential areas to create consistency and enhance safety for all road users.

The upcoming by-election has captured public interest, as candidates like Braydon Mazurkiewich take strong stances against the current use of photo radar. He has pledged to eliminate special designations that contribute to the system’s financial incentives. His approach mirrors that of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has recently announced plans to ban speed cameras in his province, igniting debates about road safety and governmental accountability.

As the election approaches, the discourse surrounding photo radar in Elmwood-East Kildonan will likely shape the future of traffic safety measures in Winnipeg. The candidates’ positions reflect broader societal questions about how to balance road safety with fair enforcement practices. The race not only highlights individual perspectives but also underscores the community’s desire for a safer and more accountable approach to traffic management.

Maggie Macintosh reports on education and local issues, contributing to ongoing discussions about public safety and community engagement.