Part 1: Speed Limit Reviews, Long Point Road Changes, and Traffic Safety Planning - 11/27/2024
- PECConnect
- Nov 27, 2024
- 4 min read
The Traffic Advisory Committee met on November 27, 2024 as a hybrid meeting with both in-person and virtual attendance. The agenda was approved, there were no conflicts of interest declared, and the minutes from the September 25 meeting were formally adopted. The committee moved efficiently through routine items before turning to public requests and policy discussions.
Two key announcements were shared early in the meeting. The Picton Transportation Master Plan Amendment was released for public review, with comments due by December 13. The Ministry of Transportation also requested feedback on proposed changes to the Highway 62 and County Road 1 intersection, with a December 20 deadline. Members were encouraged to spread the word and participate. No public comments were presented, and the committee moved directly into detailed agenda items.
View the entire PEC Council meeting, or continue to speaker comments and councillor votes.
Public Requests for Speed Changes and Signage
A large portion of the meeting focused on public requests related to speed limits, signage, and traffic safety across the county.
The first request involved County Road 7 between Prinyers Cove Crescent and Cressy Bayside Drive. Committee members noted sharp curves, residential side streets, and an unusual speed transition where the road jumps from 60 km/h to 80 km/h just before the curves. Instead of making an immediate recommendation, the committee asked staff to return with a verbal report reviewing speeds and signage in the area.
Several additional speed review requests followed, each supported by staff traffic counts and collision data.
On County Road 15 between Salins Road and Presbyterian Street, staff confirmed signage met provincial standards, with one issue involving vegetation blocking a speed sign. That obstruction had already been cleared, and no further action was recommended.
For County Road 2 through Allisonville, traffic counts showed speeds within expected ranges, and most recent collisions were linked to wildlife or weather rather than speeding. Staff recommended keeping the current speed limit unchanged.
On Fish Lake Road, traffic volumes were very low, but missing curve and speed signage was identified. Curve signage had already been replaced, and speed signage was in progress. No speed reduction was recommended.
A request for traffic calming on Danforth Road showed that vehicle speeds were generally appropriate, but signage spacing did not meet Ontario Traffic Manual standards. The committee directed staff to install additional speed signs along the road to improve compliance.
Long Point Road and Environmental Safety
One of the clearer decisions of the evening involved Long Point Road near Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Staff explained that increased pedestrian activity, wildlife viewing, and roadside stopping created safety concerns on the narrow gravel road. The committee supported a recommended speed reduction from 60 km/h to 40 km/h and directed staff to move this forward through a bylaw amendment.
School Zone Corrections
The committee addressed an issue near Sophiasburgh Central School on County Road 15 in Demorestville. A previously approved school zone speed reduction did not align with actual school start times, leaving busy drop-off periods uncovered. Staff recommended removing time restrictions altogether and making the lower speed limit permanent.
The committee agreed, bringing the school zone into line with county standards elsewhere.
Traffic Calming Policy and Process
A major discussion centered on a draft traffic calming and speed review request process. Members emphasized the need for consistency, transparency, and a clear path for residents submitting concerns. The draft outlined how requests would be evaluated, prioritized, and either advanced or declined.
Rather than finalizing details immediately, the committee directed staff to return with a formal report in the first quarter of 2025, allowing time to refine criteria and explore tools used by other municipalities.
Transit and Pedestrian Safety Updates
The committee received updates on two related initiatives. The Transit Strategy Task Team had been approved by Council and was preparing for its first meeting. Meanwhile, a pedestrian safety initiative supported by provincial funding had begun outreach efforts, including presentations, reflective gear distribution, and a broader awareness campaign.
The meeting wrapped up with approval of the 2025 meeting schedule, noting flexibility to add meetings if major traffic policy work requires it.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 52:06. Due to the length of the meeting, our team was not able to independently review the full recording in its entirety. As a result, we relied on software-generated transcription, automated summarization, and automated recognition of speakers and participants, which may not be entirely accurate. All transcriptions, summaries, and related content are prepared by our team in good faith and on a reasonable best-efforts basis. The content is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended to support public understanding of the topics discussed. While reasonable efforts have been made to present the information accurately, automated processes may result in errors, omissions, or unintended misinterpretations. This article does not constitute an official, certified, or verbatim record of the meeting, and it should not be relied upon as such. Readers are encouraged to consult original source materials, official minutes, or recordings where available for confirmation or clarification. Questions, requests for clarification, or suggested corrections may be submitted to hello@pecconnect.ca for review and consideration
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