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Hamilton Spectator
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Stouffville Withholds Ticket Data as Automated Speed Camera Program Grows
● The Town plans to activate four new Automated Speed Enforcement cameras by late Q3 2025. ● Councillors are fielding ongoing questions from residents about the program, including inquiries regarding the number of tickets issued and amount of revenue collected. ● Town Staff say disclosure of early figures could be misleading and are withholding data to preserve the 'integrity' of the program. ● A full report is expected in fall 2025, earlier than originally planned, to provide a more accurate picture of long-term trends. ● Councillors offered varying perspectives during a recent meeting, with some emphasizing personal accountability and others critiquing the long-term consequences of drivers' speeding habits. ● Mayor Lovatt says fines from the program are exceeding expectations and will help fund traffic calming and road infrastructure improvements. Stouffville has scheduled activation of four additional Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras by mid-to-late Q3 2025. The new cameras will form the second phase of the Town's ASE program , which launched on March 17, 2025, and are planned for the following locations: 'Coming Soon' signage has been placed at all four sites and will remain posted for at least 90 days before the cameras become operational. Public reaction to Stouffville's ASE program has been divided, with some residents welcoming the cameras as a necessary step to improve road safety, and others expressing strong opposition. The Town has set up a dedicated email address (ase@ to field questions, address concerns, and provide direct information to residents. During Council's May 21 meeting, Ward 4 Councillor Rick Upton noted that he and his colleagues are facing constant inquiries from residents about the program, including questions regarding the number of tickets issued and revenue collected to date. Although preliminary data has been compiled, Town Staff say it is still too early to provide a full update on the program's performance. Becky Jamieson, Stouffville's Commissioner of Corporate Services and Town Clerk, emphasized the importance of protecting the 'integrity' of the program and said that detailed ticket statistics and financial figures are not yet available. 'When we refer to maintaining the 'integrity' of the program, we're speaking to the importance of presenting a full and accurate picture of the ASE initiative,' she said in comments to Bullet Point News. 'Releasing revenue or ticket data too early can be misleading, as initial figures are often artificially high due to driver unfamiliarity with the cameras and increased media and public attention at launch.' In comments to Council, Jamieson referenced Newmarket 's ASE program, which has been in operation for nearly a year and only recently produced its first report for council consideration. Her team is currently reviewing early data and confirmed that a report will be presented to Stouffville Council this fall, which is earlier than the originally planned one-year assessment. 'This approach ensures the public receives a more balanced, meaningful snapshot of the program's impact and effectiveness, rather than a potentially distorted view based on launch-period anomalies,' Jamieson told us. 'We're committed to transparency and plan to share aggregate data once we believe it accurately reflects the program's intended outcomes, which are reducing speeding and improving road safety for everyone.' During an April 29 Town Hall event, Mayor Iain Lovatt hinted at some early ASE results. 'They are working, they are slowing people down, and, unfortunately, they are working too well—because we're giving out a lot of tickets,' Lovatt told attendees. 'I've said publicly many times that I want this to be the biggest failure, because that means people are driving the speed limit, but that hasn't proven to be the case in the first six weeks.' Lovatt said funds generated through the program have been earmarked for traffic calming and road infrastructure improvements, as directed by Council. He noted the revenue is expected to exceed initial projections, allowing for a broader range of measures to be considered. One potential focus is Hoover Park Drive, which Lovatt described as exceedingly wide and poorly designed. 'From York-Durham to Ninth Line, it is a bit of a racetrack,' he said. Suggestions for improvements include replacing the current textured asphalt median with a fully raised, landscaped median to create a visual break and encourage slower driving. Ward 6 Councillor Sue Sherban highlighted the history of speed limit reductions throughout the community, saying that roads originally designed for higher speeds have gradually been reduced largely in response to persistent speeding. In her view, drivers collectively bear responsibility for the resulting reliance on ASE cameras. 'These roads weren't built for 40 kilometres an hour,' she said, pointing to Ninth Line as an example of a major arterial road where current speed limits feel inconsistent with the road's scale and capacity. While acknowledging residents' frustrations and showing some empathy for concerns raised in emails, Sherban said it's important to recognize how the issue evolved. 'We've gotten ourselves into this situation,' Sherban said. 'If we did the original speed that the roads were made for, we would not be as frustrated as we are today in having to be the nanny state.' Ward 1 Councillor Hugo Kroon voiced strong support for the ASE program, emphasizing that those who receive tickets are 'fully deserving' of them. Speaking candidly, he acknowledged his own history as someone with a lead foot and a background in motor racing, but said that did not diminish his view on accountability. Kroon pushed back against claims from some residents that the program unfairly targets those who can't afford fines, calling that argument '100 percent incorrect.' Instead, he framed the tickets as a consequence for those who choose to ignore speed limits, putting both themselves and others at risk. 'I have absolutely no sympathy for that whatsoever,' Kroon said, adding that if financial penalties are what it takes to curb dangerous driving, he is in favour of the outcome. According to York Region, ASE cameras help reduce vehicle speeds by about 10 km/h and improve speed limit compliance by approximately 25 percent. The Region also reports that ASE can cut collision rates by up to 48 percent. 'As often as we get emails from people who are frustrated and upset, I think the silent majority in our community are grateful,' Lovatt said. 'I've literally had people hug me, thanking me for…the tangible difference in reducing speeds on our streets.' 'It's the one thing that we have done that has actually worked for traffic calming,' Lovatt added. 'And we've tried a lot over the last six years.'
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Stouffville Market Returns May 10 With Record Vendor Lineup
● The Stouffville Market returns May 10 with a record 70 vendors expected for its 2025 summer season launch. ● A Mother's Day-themed opening day will feature red carpet treatment for moms, giveaways, and vendor specials. ● Saturday attendance has grown to an average of nearly 2,000 visitors since the Market's launch in 2022. ● Longtime market favorites return alongside new vendors offering everything from microgreens and empanadas to tech support and cheesecake in a jar. ● Through October 18, the Stouffville Market will take place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 6240 Main Street parking lot. ● In a conversation with Bullet Point News, Market organizer Susan Tucker touched on increasing community turnout, the potential for expansion, and vendor collaboration. Stouffville's beloved Saturday market returns May 10 for the 2025 summer season, with a record lineup of 70 vendors and a slate of new features to draw in crowds each weekend until October 18. Since its modest debut in 2022 with just 20 vendors, the Stouffville Market has grown steadily in size and popularity. It reached 45 vendors in 2023 and 64 vendors in 2024, and now welcomes an average of nearly 2,000 visitors every Saturday. The market's success is largely thanks to the efforts and perseverance of organizer Susan Tucker, who coordinates the event at no profit. She spoke with Bullet Point News ahead of the new season. 'This town needs its own market, and it has been proven that Stouffville can support a larger-scale market. The community and our vendors love it,' Tucker said. 'This will be our fourth year running the Stouffville Market, or the fifth season if you include this year's Winter Market.' The 2025 season will offer a vibrant mix of returning and first-time vendors, from authors and bakers to fitness instructors, brewmasters, and tech repair specialists. 'There are too many to name,' Tucker said. Fan favourites such as Muddy York Brewing Co., Alanna's Kitchen, Claremont Meadows, EFT Farms, Treats by Nonna Mary, and Murphy's Own Dog Treats are back again. New additions include Mr. Teesecakes, known for cheesecakes in a jar; Acenet Wireless, offering cell phone and computer sales and repairs; Green Buffalo Farms and their fresh microgreens; and Wela's Kitchen, which serves empanadas, churros, and other treats. Opening day will feature a Mother's Day celebration, including a red carpet experience for moms and complimentary mini bouquets for the first 60 mothers, generously donated by Market supporter Brian Chung. A number of vendors will also offer Mother's Day specials, and early visitors can enjoy free cookies and coffee courtesy of the Market. A patriotic twist is also coming this year. In response to ongoing U.S. tariffs and annexation rhetoric, a new contest is being launched to encourage support for Canadian businesses. Shoppers can pick up an 'Eat. Shop. Explore' Canadian flag sticker, place it on their car bumper, and, if spotted around town, be entered into a draw for a $50 Market gift certificate. More details are available on the Stouffville Market Instagram account . Beyond its appeal to shoppers, the Market has become a hub of connection among vendors. Tucker said she takes particular pride in the sense of camaraderie that has emerged behind the booths. 'I discovered last year that some of the vendors who met at the market put together their own vendor chat group, and they continue to add new members to communicate and collaborate,' she said, noting that friendships are being formed each week. 'They keep in touch with each other, meet up at other markets, and use those connections to improve their business.' The indoor Winter Market took place monthly from January through April this year and saw overwhelming turnout. Nearly 75 percent of participating vendors returned from previous summer seasons, which Tucker says further highlights Market successes. 'The community turnout was also solid, and I hope to do the Winter Market again next year,' she said. As the Market prepares to welcome thousands of visitors this summer, Tucker remains focused on building something bigger than just a Saturday shopping event. Her rental of the 6240 Main St. parking lot provides the opportunity for further expansion, should there be enough additional vendors to fill the space. 'We have the whole back parking lot, and we could absolutely expand,' she explained. 'But access to that area bottlenecks, so we need to make vendors in that area more visible to encourage people to head back there.' She expects more of that space will be needed this season. The Market strives to build a space where small businesses can thrive and the town can come together week after week. A recent social media call for volunteers was well received, and the event is continuing to grow its support base. Those interested in joining the volunteer list can email thestouffvillemarket@ . Cover photo taken by Audra Bradbury
Hamilton Spectator
02-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Stouffville Eyes Possible Hotel on Clippers Arena Parking Lot
● Stouffville is proposing a zoning change for municipally owned land at 100, 110, and 120 Weldon Road. ● The site includes the Clippers Sports Complex, Fire Station 5-1, a new daycare, and surplus parking spaces. ● A hotel developer has expressed interest in building on the eastern end of the lot. ● The land is already designated for hotel uses under the new Official Plan, but requires rezoning. ● Mayor Iain Lovatt said a hotel would keep tourism dollars in town and support economic growth. ● Public consultation will be part of the planning process if development proceeds. A patch of municipal land on Weldon Road, currently occupied by parking spaces, could soon be home to a new hotel. The Town is proposing a zoning change for its properties at 100, 110, and 120 Weldon Rd., which include Fire Station 5-1, the Clippers Sports Complex, a modular daycare facility under construction, and a large surface parking lot. Officials say the eastern portion of that lot may soon serve a new purpose. 'There is somebody who wants to put a the east end of the parking lot, which is actually a pretty interesting idea because we have 126 more spots than is required for the arena,' Mayor Iain Lovatt said during an April 23 town hall meeting at Latcham Hall. In Stouffville, arenas must provide two parking spaces for every 100 square metres of sports fields or rink space. For the Clippers Sports Complex, that translates to a requirement of 143 spaces. Excluding those designated for Fire Station 5-1, the adjacent surface lot contains 269 parking spaces. 'This is a conversation that we are having with the proponent, who is a seasoned hotel operator,' Lovatt noted. The stated interest from the hospitality sector was also included in a related Staff report coming to a Public Planning Meeting on Wednesday, May 7. The site falls within the Western Approach Mixed-Use area of Stouffville's new and in-force Official Plans, which already permit hotel uses. This means no Official Plan Amendment would be required for the project to proceed. However, the property is currently zoned 'Institutional' under the Town's Comprehensive Zoning By-law, which prohibits hotel uses. Town Staff are recommending the zoning be changed to 'Commercial Mixed Use – Western Approach' (CM2), a designation that would accommodate a hotel and align with the broader land-use permissions laid out in the Official Plan. In addition to hotel uses, the CM2 zoning would also allow for residential development such as condominiums or apartment buildings. 'The proposed CM2 zone permits a maximum height of 20 metres. This is approximately six storeys, depending on the architectural style of the building,' Staff explained to Bullet Point News. 'The total number of rooms will be dependent on the amount of parking that is able to be accommodated and the specifications of the eventual hotelier. It has been indicated that the site could accommodate a 70-100 room product.' 'We need a hotel in our community,' Lovatt said. 'We have families that come here who have kids that play hockey, for example, and they go stay in Markham and spend all of their money there. We're missing out on that, and we're seeing money leave our community.' Beyond addressing a local shortage of hotel rooms, the project would bolster Stouffville's economic tax base. Hotels are considered employment-generating uses, which means they are subject to commercial property taxes. Lovatt also pointed out that guests would pay an additional Value Added Tax (VAT), contributing further to the municipality. Stouffville's Economic Development team has been working with a hotelier to find a viable location for some time. An earlier investigation considered land near Highway 48 and Hoover Park Drive, but the site proved unfeasible. 'All we're doing at this point is looking at changing the zoning in the eastern part of the parking lot to allow this to happen,' Lovatt explained. 'I'm not saying that it is going to happen, but it gives us the flexibility.' Any future development would still need to go through the formal planning process, which includes public consultation. 'People can come and speak about the application during a Public Planning Meeting and whether that is a good use of those parking spaces just south of the Fire Hall,' Lovatt added. The May 7 Public Planning Meeting presenting the rezoning proposal will take place in Council Chambers at 7 p.m. Whether or not the hotel is ultimately built, the zoning change would represent a strategic shift that could turn underutilized asphalt into an economic anchor for the community.
