Brandon Hall, Acting Director of Operations at the Town of Huntsville, gave Huntsville Council an update at its July 28 meeting, noting that calming traffic devices installed in Woodland Heights and Silver Street are working.
Hall said while the devices may be new to Huntsville, they are not uncommon and are used in other parts of Canada, such as Ottawa, Quebec, and are also being installed in Gravenhurst.
“Again, they do work. The attitude has changed a little bit around Woodland Heights. We have been getting some really nice emails, you know, just telling the staff what a great job they’ve done. It is something new, it’s change…,” said Hall. “But you can expect to see more, and we’re going to work out a plan where we can install more, but they are working, we will put traffic counters out… to prove that those results are working.”
On behalf of Huntsville’s Operations Department, Hall thanked Councillor Monty Clouthier for taking calls about the devices and doing an interview with local media on the same. Hall said the traffic calming devices also protect municipal workers from people speeding.
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock said she thinks it’s great that the Town is putting traffic calming devices to slow people down. She said she received a comment from the Mayor of Armour Township, Rod Ward, whose daughter lives on Silver Street. “And he was absolutely thrilled and wanted to thank staff and thank council for making the decision for exactly the reasons you raised, safer for everybody.”
Councillor Cory Clarke said on behalf of residents on Hanes Road, he said they would love to see traffic calming measures on that road.
Hall said other traffic calming measures have been purchased by the Town. “It shows your speed, tells you to slow down, like the exact same ones you see on Riverside Public School, and one will be going up in the next week on Hanes Road.”
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Good news. Will be looking for these or any other traffic calming option (of which there are several) in Port Sydney.
Maybe, if we think, of the people walking and on bikes as vulnerable road users, then folks will be more respectful driving around them.
DR DONALD D ROBINSON: When you are a driver in a vehicle, you are that alone. And these barriers are there for a purpose. How fast do you suppose someone is going to “lose(s) control and hits a pedestrian”? Those barriers are not going to hit a pedestrian, but you and your vehicle can.
And NO you didn’t have to go through on the wrong side. Those pedestrians and their dog have as much right to the road as you. There is a big pedal on the floor that will slow and stop the vehicle. So slow and stop and wait. I believe the law frowns on you driving on the wrong side of the road.
Just an opinion.
There’s no need for traffic calming signs as, due to.the dreadful state of our town roads, your speed is kept down to save your suspension.
These road obstructions are dangerous and should be illegal. It’s only time before someone hits them, loses control and hits a pedestrian. At least get rid of the two outer components. I have had to go through on wrong side of the road when folk walking their dog were on my side at that point.
These are a traffic hazard, if anyone else put barriers on a road they would be charged.
This is a great idea! As a Realtor I drive around many of our roads in Muskoka (I promise I am never speeding) I’m very aware of the speed limits and the wildlife. I witness some unbelievably bad driving. Tailgating and speeding are so common. I drive in and out South Waseosa Lake Road and Ravenscliffe Road every day and 100% of the time I will have a tailgater. Sometimes they pass me and speed away. I’m sure a lot of these drivers are going close to 100 kph. Numerous deer and other wildlife have been killed on these roads. I’ve talked to a lot of the local residents and they won’t let their kids ride bikes or walk on South Waseosa because of the speeding and dangerous driving. I with we could have traffic calming devices on South Waseosa. There are no sidewalks and it’s a very built up residential area. It is a real problem and seems to get worse every year.
Would like to see this system installed on Deerhurst Highlands Drive to slow down the golfers rushing to a tee off time or rushing home after a golf game and beverages
As a long time resident of Woodland Heights and being president of thee Woodland Heights Community Association for 7 years many have been concerned about a pedestrian
accident for over 15 years. Because of the hills and curves in the community, no sidewalks and by times substandard road conditions (which caused drivers to avoid potholes) +
inattention to the posted speed limit something tragic was bound to happen.
Thanks to the Council and especially the roads department (Randy) for having the fortitude to reduce the risk with this solution. Also thanks to resident Steve Thomas who as a law enforcement officer with in-depth knowledge on this subject provided consultation to the department. Residents (and numerous deer) will be safer in walking the streets and not causing a family to suffer losing a loved one.
I drove down Silver Street recently and was very happy to see the traffic calming devices. Way to go! Too many people are flying around town, going way too fast……
Looks interesting! Just wondering how snow plows are going to manage
with out ripping them out of their mountings?
Maybe one on Ravenscliffe Road between the big east and Skyhills Road? Just a thought.