In an attempt to improve safety along Muskoka Road 3 North, Huntsville Council passed a series of requests at its August 28 meeting to be forwarded to the District of Muskoka, which looks after the road.
It asked that the speed limit on Muskoka Road 3 North be reduced from 60 to 50 km/hour from Hwy. 60 to Williamsport Road. It is also requesting that truck turning and no-passing signs be added to the southbound lane of the road leading up to 815 Muskoka Road 3 North, where the quarry is located, and that snow be completely removed from the west side of the road during the winter months.
The requests come on the heels of a public planning meeting held August 16. At that meeting, residents expressed their opposition to a rock processing facility being proposed by Muskoka Rock Limited, citing more traffic and safety issues among their concerns.
Councillor Jonathan Wiebe, who represents the area, said he spent some time along that road and noted some of the issues.
“After spending some time there on foot, I truly could grasp the severity and just the real issue that’s been created over time and this is what the culmination is,” said Wiebe, referring to competing industrial and residential subdivisions along that road and high traffic volumes. While he said that a posted speed reduction will not solve all speeding issues, it could slow down at least some of the traffic. He said he observed several vehicles dangerously trying to pass trucks turning into the quarry by using the narrow shoulder of the road. He also said it is difficult for pedestrians to walk along the road, especially on the side where Spruce Glen Public School is located, as there are no sidewalks or bike paths and in winter those walking to the school or hospital, wind up having to walk on top of snowbanks.
“When you add all these factors up, I want to be more proactive on this and see if we can get the District’s ear,” he said. “As we know development isn’t going to slow down out that way so I’d like to see this take place,” he said of the requests.
In terms of adding signage against the use of Jake Brakes along that road, Director of Operations and Protective Services Steve Hernen told council that it is his understanding that while signs can be posted, the use of the brakes is difficult to enforce.
“You physically can’t stop without the use of it on some of these larger trucks. You can’t ban the use of a safety product on a vehicle, is my understanding,” he said.
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Muskoka road 3 is a dangerous road to walk & cycle & it’s only going to get worse. Entirely separate from vehicle walking/cycling path is essential all the way to Arrowhead entrance would be the District’s wisest move. Not only here but all roads 5 km leading into towns throughout Muskoka will be progressive.. Beyond the auto. Safe routes. People first. Nothing progressive has been done to Hwy 60 & they (Ontario MTO Muskoka Huntsville) had a chance.
With Muskoka Rd N getting attention, I would like to see the transit route extended beyond the hospital. Certainly if we get sidewalks of any sort, plans for bus stops should be part of the design. The Official Plan calls for bus access to be included in the site plan design of all new developments, especially subdivisions.