40 is the new 50
Kawartha Lakes has launched a Community Area Speed Limit project to help improve motorist, cyclist and pedestrian safety. The municipality currently enforces a speed by-law for designated areas within towns, villages, settlement areas and hamlets known as "community speed zones" that outline a speed limit of 50 km/h. Through the Speed Limit Project, these community speed zones will be reduced down to 40km/h.
The project, which requires an update to existing signage marked 50km/h to the new speed limit of 40km/h, will be released in a phased approach:
- Phase one, which focuses on our rural speed zones, was implemented in October 2021 in 16 communities.
- Phase two, which focuses on urban speed zones, will be implemented before September 2023.
Phase One: Rural
The municipality will begin the program in rural areas across Kawartha Lakes. This includes the following areas:
- Bethany
- Burnt River
- Coboconk
- Kinmount
- Kirkfield
- Little Britain
- Manilla
- Norland
- Oakwood
- Omemee
- Pontypool
- Janetville
- Seagrave
- Sonya
- Victoria Road
- Woodville
Please click on each community name to see a map of where the new speed limits will be placed.
Phase Two: Urban
Once the rural areas are complete, the municipality will move forward with urban community speed zones impacted. This includes:
Please click on each community name to see a map of where the new speed limits will be placed.
Why do we need a Community Area Speed Limit project? |
Reducing speed limits on residential streets and high pedestrian areas makes our streets safer, calmer, and quieter for everyone. Slowing down gives people more time to react to the unexpected, to prevent crashes and reduce the severity of collisions that do happen. |
Are all roads within the listed community going to be reduced down to 40km/h? |
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When will the new speed limits be enforced? |
Phase one installation was the fall of 2021 in 16 rural hamlets.
Phase two, which focuses on urban speed zones, will be implemented before September 2023. As soon as the signs are installed and visible on the road, the new speed limits become enforceable. Kawartha Lakes Police and OPP have been notified of the impacted areas and will be supporting the project through enforcement and education. |
What can I do to help inform others in my area? |
The municipality launched a digital campaign in 2021, along with messaging on community info boards, road signs and monthly updates to the public regarding the areas impacted as the new speed signs are being installed. In addition, residents can request complimentary lawn signs to place on their property when the new speed limits take effect. |
Why were the specific areas listed above chosen? |
The areas impacted by the speed limit project are all designated as "Community Speed Zones" because they are geographic hamlets, villages and towns considered to be built up areas. |
The dangers of speeding |
Higher speeds can contribute to an increased risk of serious injuries and fatalities:
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