Huntsville’s general committee has passed a resolution to request that the District of Muskoka implement a more gradual speed reduction on Brunel Rd. south of town.
Currently, the speed limit drops directly from 80 km/h to 50 km/h for northbound traffic, just south of Renwick Drive.
Councillors are requesting that the District of Muskoka complete a road section analysis and consider reducing the speed from 80 km/h to 60 km/h at Markle’s Road, and then a further drop to 50 km/h 200m earlier than the current location at 818 Brunel Road. That speed would then lead into the school zone adjacent to Riverside Public School.
“I think everybody’s quite aware of the issue that’s been taking place in this school zone,” said Councillor Dan Armour. “When you’re coming into Huntsville heading north… I think part of the problem, why people are getting caught speeding is because [the reduction from 80 km/h to 50 km/h] happens so drastically.”
Councillors agreed to request the change from the District.
The resolution will first need to be ratified by Huntsville council at its next regular meeting, after which it will go to the District’s public works committee for consideration.
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Brian”s comment about ” I keep hoping there will be an OPP radar unit set up, BUT its such rarity ” on the 60 km stretch of Aspdin RD/Muskoka Rd 3 west to Domtar Rd. those local commuters would very much disagree. OPP radar is quite frequently set up , I’m guessing maybe multiple times, during the week and many weekends. When I travel that section anymore I set my cruise control at 60 to 65 km per hour. Over the last several years I’ll bet the OPP have made a good sum of money in applied fines. The 80 km/hr section is not so much radared, sections of that road in my opinion can accommodate safely in excess of 80 km/hour. Also the OPP have in the past set up radar right at Aspdin at the Muskoka 31 intersection. Its ” the same old, same old” the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so Brian my suggestion to You or any other motorist feeling their safety or the safety of others are in jeopardy , dial 705-789-5551 and make your case known to the OPP. All of us taxpayers pay them very good money and they are there to honorably serve us.
BTW…while still a Town of Huntsville and DMM Councillor I requested that Huntsville Council request a reduction in the speed limit on MR 3 West from 100 metres East of Mac Signs to Bethune Road from 60 kmh to 50 kmh and to be forwarded to DMM Public Works for consideration…that resolution was passed unanimously by Huntsville Council…however, in my final months on council, both for the Town of Huntsville and DMM that request did not appear on the agenda at District PW….this would be extraordinary as Municipal requests almost always appear on the DMM PW’s agenda within 30-60 days…..so why not? I know there was some push back from two residents near Bethune Road…they argued that semis would use brake jakes (Retarder Brakes) and disturb their peace and quiet….quite a stretch that….and their complaints were forwarded to the Towns new Director of PW’s and also to the Commissioner at DMM…..so regardless of their position, this should always have been considered at DMM PW Committee….unless I am mistaken that did not happen…so I ask you, where and who deep-sixed this resolution and why did it not ever make it to the DMM PW agenda.
Cindy….regardless of the posted speed limits on any of our streets and roads, people will violate the posted speed limits…..I often drive to the Stisted Land Fill site….60 KM/H from Hghway 11 to Domtar Road and then 80 KM/h from there to Aspdin….and will have as many as a half dozen pick-trucks on my ass when I either turn off to Domtar or exit to the Landfill….the same on my return to Highway 11….I had one pick-up blow past me doing at least in excess of 100 km/h….I was doing 80 and he was a blur….I keep hoping there will be an OPP radar unit setup, BUT, it is such a rarity….Other streets in town that have speeding problems are Hanes Road from Centre to Howland, Townline from Yonge to Brunel, North Waseosa Lake Road….and I’m sure there are too many others….I have noticed that once the town or DMM rehabilitates any of our streets, they become an excuse for many to disregard the speeding limits……
I live across from The Brunel Mart. People are driving way too fast. Last night a deer was hit and landed on my lawn. We called the police and he had to shoot it. We need a speed radar sign or something. This would never have happened if people slow down and look. I have also asked for another deer crossing but have been told they can only put one every 8 km. That won’t help the wildlife. I need help to make this from happening.
Regarding speed zones I would ask the council to review the speed zone approaching the intersection at Musk rd 10 from Baysville . The 60 mph should be extended southerly ,may be 500 m. Drivers don’t seem to be slowing down by the time they get to the intersection. Perhaps an oversized sigh would help and some brushing done as the current sign isn’t that obvious.
Lowering the speed limit is really not the answer we need to enforce the limit. I watch people go by my home doing well over 80kms. and hour but no OPP to do anything. When I leave in the morning at 6:00 cars pass us doing well over the speed limit and do not slow down until they get to the stop light at main street. Just because the limit is lower will not stop the speeding unless we have enforcement and why not lower it from Muskoka 10 where it is 60Kms already if we are going to do that?