Traffic Calming in West Ridge: What's been happening?
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In the wake of a summer coming to a close, I thought it important to discuss an issue that has been a priority for me throughout my time as councillor: Traffic Calming in West Ridge. While there are many areas throughout the rest of the ward and the city that also deserve attention on this front, West Ridge is the area where this problem comes up the most at the door.
The West Ridge neighbourhood is filled with long roads with few breaks. Several have over 100 homes, with young families living on them.
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Over my time on Council, I and some council colleagues have been pushing for action. Since the new council has come in and new staff have been hired to address this issue, this issue does seem to be gaining more attention. Things are looking up. Hopefully, there will be more meaningful changes in the coming months and years.
Here are some of the preliminary successes so far that we will hopefully see come to fruition in the immediate future:
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(Intersection at Monarch Drive and Orion Boulevard)
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Monarch Drive and Orion Boulevard Intersection: ​
This is the intersection that I receive the most complaints about. In the last few months, I have heard many residents raise concerns over speeding taking place on both roads, about visibility of turning onto Monarch Drive, and of near misses with pedestrians. This intersection is also located very close to Walter Henry Park, which is used by many in the neighbourhood.
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About a week ago, myself and Councillor Czetwerzuk (with Council's support) requested a report from staff on an all-way stop or a traffic calming circle at the Orion/Monarch intersection. In that same enquiry, staff have been tasked with looking into possibly of adjusting the parking area close to the intersection to increase visibility. Additionally, there was a traffic calming petition submitted for city staff to review the speeds on Orion Boulevard. If it is found to be warranted, staff could recommend traffic calming measures be put in place in that area.
(Traffic Calming Circle on James Street)
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Digital Feedback Signs:
There are several roads in West Ridge where traffic calming petitions are not possible in accordance with city policy. These are on roads called ‘Arterial’ roads, designed for cars to get to and from major points within the city. In West Ridge, there are several streets that are designated ‘Arterial’. These include: West Ridge Boulevard/University Avenue, Stone Ridge Boulevard, and Bass Lake Side Road. Each one has distinct features that have led to resident complaints. However, in each of these scenarios, a petition wasn’t possible. Instead, myself and other council members have since put forward requests to introduce digital feedback signs along all three stretches of roadway. This request has since been sent to the city budget deliberations. I am really hoping it will be supported during the budget this year!
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A Community Safety Zone:
A few months ago, a resident contacted me about the possibility of creating a community safety zone on Atlantis Drive and Bass Lake Side Road close to Notre Dame School. Most schools in our city now have these zones in place. These zones often include flashing lights and 40km speed limits to ensure drivers are extra careful driving close to young students on their way to school. After receiving this complaint, city staff suggested that they would be able to look at the possibility of introducing such a zone in that area. The challenge with bringing this about prior had been that the road is shared with another municipality (Oro-Medonte). Due to the proximity to Highway 12, it would also require permission from the Ministry of Transportation. Since the enquiry was put forward, staff are now looking into the potential of introducing something of this nature close to the school. Fingers crossed something comes of it!
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Traffic Calming Policy Adjustments
The City’s Traffic Calming Policy has been altered! This will make it easier for neighbourhood traffic calming petitions to meet the requirements for staff to endorse the introduction of traffic calming measures once a study has been undertaken and reviewed. To learn more about the traffic calming policy and petitions, you can CLICK HERE.
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More roads to look at!
The roads mentioned above do not include all the areas of concern for residents. Several other roads that are mentioned consistently are: Atlantis Drive, Emperor Drive, Monarch Drive, and Isabella Drive. Additionally, there are several roads in other parts of the ward including Collegiate Drive and Skyline Drive. I will be focussing my attention on these areas next, so please stay tuned.
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