Calgary Firefighters Demand Tougher Speeding Penalties: What's the Buzz?

Calgary’s firefighters are sounding a urgent alarm, demanding immediate and tougher penalties for excessive speeding as the city grapples with a concerning surge in traffic fatalities. As of September 2025, Calgary police have issued a staggering 618 tickets to drivers caught going 51 km/h or more over the posted limit.

Under current Alberta legislation, these high-speed offenders are required to make a mandatory court appearance, with fines at the court's discretion. However, a critical loophole allows these dangerous drivers to continue operating their vehicles until their court date. This contrasts sharply with "every other province in Canada," where law enforcement typically has the power to immediately impound vehicles or suspend licenses for such egregious violations.

The Calgary Firefighters Association is advocating for the province to implement similar "immediate consequences" – specifically, vehicle impoundment and license suspension – to curb dangerous driving that puts both Calgarians and first responders at risk. Firefighters are often the first on scene and witness firsthand the devastating impacts of these incidents, particularly on high-speed corridors like Stoney Trail, which is a known hotspot for dangerous maneuvers.

This call to action comes amid a grim trend on Calgary roads. In 2024, the city recorded 29 traffic deaths, the highest in a decade, including a 225% increase in pedestrian fatalities. So far in 2025, 27 lives have been lost, with speeding identified as a factor in approximately 30 percent of fatal crashes. As of October 17, 2025, Calgary's fatal collision count reached 30, including eleven pedestrians.

While the city has initiated campaigns like "Drive to Zero" and launched a new Traffic Safety Team in March 2025 to enforce bylaws in residential areas and school zones, firefighters argue that provincial legislation needs to catch up to truly make Calgary streets safer for everyone.