Minutes
Environment, Transportation & Public Safety Standing Committee
Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Councillor Kaschak comments that currently in his Ward, i.e. Jefferson and Pillette, there aren’t many speed signs and inquires whether those signs would have to be added and what approximate number of signs would be required. Mr. Hagan indicates that the number of signs is approximately 2000-3500 signs. Mr. Hagan adds that reducing the speed requires more signs and would also require gateway signs at city limits advising that the speeds have been reduced.

Councillor Kaschak inquires about the current signs and whether they can be re-used by using a draping. Mr. Hagan indicates that if the default speed changed the sign would be removed. Mr. Hagan adds that if the sign indicates 40km/h then it can be left. Shawna Boakes, Senior Manager Traffic Operations and Parking, appears via video conference before the Environment, Transportation and Public Safety Standing Committee regarding the administrative report “CQ7-2020 40km/h Residential Speed Limits – City Wide” and indicates there is no need to remove the signs until they didn’t meet the reflectivity standards and then they would have to be removed and replaced.

Councillor Kaschak requests a comment on midblock and intersection collisions. Mr. Hagan indicates the statistics provided in the report were meant to be provided as a whole for comparison purposes.

Councillor Francis refers to the number of streets in the Roseland area that are currently set at 40km/h and comments that other factors come into play, including traffic calming measures that help reduce the speed of drivers in the area. Mr. Hagan indicates that a number of different strategies are outlined in refining the speed management program, which are included in next steps in the administrative report. Mr. Hagan adds that in residential neighborhoods traffic calming measures, including speed humps, curb bump outs and radar speed signs, may be utilized as deemed warranted in addition to the speed lowering.

Councillor Francis inquires as to the current practice of reducing speed limits in certain areas based on warrant studies. Dwayne Dawson, Executive Director of Operations, appears via video conference before the Environment, Transportation and Public Safety Standing Committee regarding the administrative report “CQ7-2020 40km/h Residential Speed Limits – City Wide” and indicates that warrant studies are required for traffic calming. Mr. Dawson adds that one of the methods for traffic calming is to reduce speed, but that is usually done in conjunction with other methods. Mr. Dawson states that traffic volume and speeds are considered for traffic calming measures.

Councillor Francis inquires as to whether 50km/h is a safe speed for residential streets and are they comparable with other municipalities. Mr. Hagan indicates that the appropriate operating speed varies according to the type of street. Mr. Hagan adds that the speed informs other things such as sight lines.

Councillor Francis inquires as to default speeds and whether the Province indicates that 50km/h is too fast and if there are other municipalities implementing default speeds. Mr. Hagan indicates that very few municipalities have reduced their speed to 40km/h across the municipality. Mr. Hagan indicates that he is only aware of Tilbury introducing this. Mr. Hagan adds that Hamilton and other