Ontario is moving to mandate municipal road construction standards. Traffic fatalities are rising again. And the next phase of road safety funding is now open. Welcome to the Good Roads Podcast, where we break down the most important municipal infrastructure, road safety, and transportation policy stories — fast, focused, and built for Ontario municipalities.
This week’s episode covers three major developments affecting road construction, safety outcomes, and municipal funding:
The province has posted a proposed regulation that would require municipalities to adopt Ontario Provincial Standards for Municipal Road Construction (OPSS.MUNI) in key areas like asphalt, aggregates, and drainage. Additional standards could follow in future phases. Municipalities would also be required to adopt standardized contract general conditions and report annually to the Ministry of Transportation. Compliance would be mandatory by July 1, 2027, with an exemption process available. Good Roads is seeking member feedback on potential impacts.
The Ministry of Transportation has released its latest Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR). The preliminary 2024 report cites 617 fatalities — an increase over 2023 — with speeding responsible for 155 deaths, the highest since 2006. While injuries have declined over the decades, annual fatalities remain stubbornly between 500 and 600, and pedestrian deaths have remained largely unchanged for nearly 30 years. The data raises serious questions about enforcement, design, and the limits of vehicle safety improvements.
The Road Safety Initiatives Fund (RSIF) is entering its second phase, with $168 million available for eligible municipalities that previously operated automated speed enforcement. Funding supports physical traffic calming infrastructure such as roundabouts, raised crosswalks, and speed bumps. With applications opening February 19, 2026, municipalities now have the opportunity to invest directly in proven safety measures.