Expect more police on Ontario roads as Canada Day enforcement campaign begins

Ontario Provincial Police are stepping up enforcement across the province ahead of the Canada Day long weekend, warning drivers, boaters and off-road vehicle users that they can expect to see a much larger police presence over the next week.

The OPP’s annual Canada Day Week Traffic and Marine Campaign, which began Friday (June 26), runs through Sunday, July 5, with officers conducting highly visible patrols on highways, waterways and trails across Ontario.

The campaign comes as schools let out and summer travel ramps up, a period that traditionally sees a spike in traffic volumes and outdoor recreation.

Police say the focus will remain on the “Big Four” factors that continue to contribute to serious and fatal collisions: impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and seatbelt compliance.

Officers will also be checking that motorists, boaters and off-road vehicle riders are using required safety equipment, including seatbelts, helmets and life jackets.

The enforcement blitz comes as the province has already recorded a sobering number of traffic deaths this year. Heading into the Canada Day holiday, 164 people have died in crashes on OPP-patrolled roads.

“Distracted driving remains the number one cause of serious and fatal collisions in Ontario,” the OPP said after Ottawa officers charged a driver with distracted driving on Highway 417 shortly after the campaign began. “Leave the phone alone.”

Police have also shared examples of early enforcement, including a driver ticketed for travelling 112 km/h in a posted 90 km/h zone on Highway 17 between English River and Ignace. The offence resulted in a $107.50 fine and three demerit points.

In addition to increased patrols, officers will be conducting R.I.D.E. spot checks throughout the campaign to identify impaired drivers. Unsafe vehicles and motorists engaging in high-risk driving can also expect immediate enforcement action.

The initiative extends beyond Ontario’s highways. Marine officers will be checking for life jackets and other required safety equipment on boats, while officers patrolling trails will be watching for helmet compliance and other safety violations involving ATVs and off-road vehicles.

Police are also asking the public to help keep roads safe by reporting dangerous drivers. Anyone who suspects a driver is impaired or driving aggressively is urged to call 911 immediately. Non-emergency traffic concerns can be reported to the OPP’s non-emergency line.

With millions of Ontarians expected to hit the roads over the Canada Day holiday, the OPP says the goal of the campaign is not simply to issue tickets but to prevent tragedies before they happen.

“We’ll be conducting enforcement and education on our roadways, trails and waterways to help keep everyone safe,” the OPP said in announcing the campaign. “Have a safe and happy Canada Day week.”