Waterloo to consider uniform speed limit implementation
Waterloo council is set to consider a staff report on Monday that could see the implementation of a “uniform speed” across collector, residential and school zones in the city — similar to a change implemented in the City of Kitchener back in September of 2021.
If approved, the motion would see a uniform speed of 40 km/h established on all “Class 4 and 5” streets — connector and residential streets — as well as 30 km/h in school zones.
Directed by council in May of 2020, City of Waterloo staff have investigated “multiple traffic calming and active transportation measures” that could create more space for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy active transportation and social distance for essential trips throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Through that process, staff from the city's Transportation Services had recommended the implementation of a speed limit reduction pilot project: bringing 40 km/h speeds to three neighbourhood areas, 30 km/h to select school zones and 40 km/h on 14 individual streets.
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The staff report notes that the pilot project resulted in an average reduction of around 2 to 6 km/h in all three neighbourhoods, with similar results seen on individual streets — though some motorists were “not compliant” with the newly posted speed limit in all locations.
That process led council to solicit feedback from residents on whether or not they'd like to see a reduction in speeds throughout the city, offering a variety of proposed options, and ultimately showing an appetite for slower traffic operating speeds.
Individuals from “interested parties” including Grand River Transit, Waterloo Regional Police and Waterloo Fire Rescue also indicated support for the plan, with police stopping short of indicating a specific speed limit to establish, but instead expressing support for efforts to make roadways safer for all users.
If approved by council, the uniform speed limit changes would be introduced through a phased implementation plan over four years from 2022 to 2025. That plan is expected to cost roughly $425,800, with costs largely accounting for the replacement of signs and posts, staff labour and city-wide communication of the changing speeds.
Waterloo council will discuss the report on Monday at 2:00 p.m., with next steps requiring a bylaw amendment report to council, expected to be scheduled for September 2022.
