Windsor funeral home urging drivers to stop at red lights during processions amid camera expansion

A Windsor funeral home is giving reminders for those partaking in a funeral procession. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell reports.

A funeral home in Windsor is renewing its safety messaging around funeral processions, reminding drivers they must still stop at red lights — even as more red light cameras are installed across the city.

Families First Funeral Home says the reminder is not in response to a surge in complaints, but rather a proactive effort to raise awareness as the number of camera-controlled intersections continues to grow.

“With red light cameras for us, the reason for the post … is simply that the volume of cameras has increased,” said funeral director Jessica Sylvestre.

The city originally launched its red light camera program with 10 cameras in 2021. As of November 2025, that number has grown to 20 at intersections across Windsor.

Sylvestre said the funeral home has worked to adjust mapping routes and planning ahead to minimize disruptions, but acknowledges it has become more difficult to avoid camera-controlled intersections altogether.

“As they’ve increased … it’s become really difficult to avoid them altogether, and so we’ve had to make a little bit of an action plan to spread some awareness,” she said.

While funeral processions are a long-standing tradition meant to bring people together, Sylvestre said they do not override the rules of the road.

“Our mission is safety … families are grieving, they’re not paying attention — nor should they be,” she said.

“They’re focused on exactly what they need to be focused on … honouring and saying goodbye to their loved ones.”

The funeral home says it is not opposed to red light cameras, noting they play an important role in road safety, but wants to ensure families are aware of the rules before they get behind the wheel.

“We just want people to be safe, obey all traffic rules at all times … and be present as a family,” Sylvestre said.

To help, Families First provides drivers in a procession with route maps, instructions and reminders, and staff keep track of vehicles to ensure everyone arrives safely — even if the group becomes separated.

Sylvestre said staying together during a procession still holds deep meaning for families.

“It encourages you to just be present in that moment … and prepare yourself,” she explained.

“As you’re arriving at the final resting place, you have feelings, you have emotions — and it’s important to make space for them.”

Some Windsor residents, however, say the rules should be more flexible.

“I think they should be exempt … you’re honouring the person that passed away,” said Gloria Boudreau.

Others agreed, saying funeral processions should be allowed to continue uninterrupted.

“If it’s a funeral, they should have the honour of letting them go through,” said Ray Kingsley.

The City of Windsor was contacted for comment but was not available for an interview.