The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-286, dated July 20, 2023, recommending a consistent and static speed limit of 30 km/hr be maintained for all school zones in Kitchener neighbourhoods including all Automatic Speed Enforcement school zone locations, and that the speed limit on Bingeman's Centre Drive be maintained at 50 km/h.
A. McCrimmon-Jones provided an overview of the report and staff recommendation. In response to questions from the Committee, A. McCrimmon-Jones noted, at the end of 2023, the Region of Waterloo will be presenting results of a pilot study for school zones with static speed limits at all times of the day, as well as varying speed limits at different times of day and of the year. It was noted Regional roads serve a different function from Kitchener roads in that they carry significant volumes of traffic whereas, Kitchener roads serve a community function such as providing access to homes, front lawns and neighbourhood amenities. As such, A. McCrimmon-Jones noted the recommended approach for Kitchener school zones is a consistent and static speed limit of 30km/h at all hours of the day.
In response to questions about maintaining school zone speed limits at 30km/h outside school hours, A. McCrimmon-Jones noted schools are often used after hours for various community programs. In addition, as there is a presence of children and other vulnerable street users around school properties throughout the day and year, a consistent and static speed limit of 30 km/hr is the recommended approach. Further, it was noted this approach is consistent with neighbouring municipalities including Cambridge, Guelph, Mississauga, and Waterloo.
Councillor C. Michaud expressed support for a consistent and static speed limit of 30km/h in school zones as it is a better precaution for the safety of children.
In response to questions from the Committee regarding additional traffic calming measures at Bingemans Centre Drive, A. McCrimmon Jones noted this road is larger than most in Kitchener and carries a high volume of traffic, thus, traditional forms of traffic calming measures would not be sufficient. It was noted tools such as a greater speed enforcement, improvements to pedestrian facilities and educating drivers will be the most appropriate traffic calming methodology. It was also noted several collisions have occurred on Bingemans Centre Drive and drivers typically average 75 km/h on this road, thus, an increase to the posted speed limit may further exacerbate overspeeding. The Committee noted additional speed enforcement measures should be implemented on this road to improve the safety of drivers.
The Committee noted its' preference for Staff to review the Region of Waterloo pilot study on speed limits in school zones prior to the Committee making a final decision on speed limits in Kitchener school zones.
Councillor S. Davey brought forward a motion for Staff to report back at the next Council meeting with proposed hotspot traffic calming measures at Bingemans Centre Drive, having an increased speed limit of 60km/h; and further, that consideration of speed limits in Kitchener school zones be deferred to a future Council meeting, to allow Staff an opportunity to propose speed limits that are in tandem with the Region of Waterloo pilot study.
It was requested that the two matters be voted on separately.
A motion was brought forward by Mayor B. Vrbanovic to defer any changes to the current school zone speed limits until the Region of Waterloo completes their pilot program review.