Traffic safety measures coming to Terra Cotta

Region implementing speed limit reductions, parking prohibitions, and community safety zones

By Zachary Roman

Steps are being taken to address traffic issues in Terra Cotta.

At Region of Peel Council's April 27 meeting, amendments to the Region's traffic by-law were enacted to implement speed limit reductions, parking prohibitions, and community safety zones on regional roads in the Hamlet of Terra Cotta.

A report was submitted by Kealy Dedman, Peel's Commissioner of Public Works, to Regional Council presenting information about the situation in Terra Cotta. Council passed the recommendations in the report unanimously on consent.

Dedman wrote that in recent years, residents of Terra Cotta have noted a significant increase in visitors to the area, thus increasing traffic volumes, speeds, pedestrian activity and demand for parking.

Residents asked the Region to address their concerns about these issues, and the Region completed a traffic review of regional roads within Terra Cotta: King Street and Winston Churchill Boulevard.

As a result of the review, regional staff recommended reducing posted speed limits, establishing new community safety zones, and extending an existing parking prohibition. The Region of Peel began working on the review of traffic issues in Terra Cotta in August 2020. 

The following speed limit reductions will be implemented in Terra Cotta: King Street from Heritage Road to Winston Churchill Boulevard/Side Road 27, reduced to 40 km/h; Winston Churchill Boulevard from King Street to Isabella Street, reduced to 40 km/h; Winston Churchill Boulevard from Side Road 27 to 480 metres south of King Street, reduced to 40 km/h; and Winston Churchill Boulevard from 480 metres south of King Street to 1,100 meters south of King Street, reduced to 50 km/h.

New community safety zones will be implemented in Terra Cotta, and in community safety zones, all traffic offences are met with an increased fine. The following two community safety zones will be in effect: King Street between 215 metres east of High Street and Winston Churchill Boulevard/Side Road 27; and Winston Churchill Boulevard between 480 metres south of King Street and 2,390 metres north of King Street.

Dedman's report notes the Ontario Provincial Police support the implementation of the new community safety zones.

A parking prohibition that exists on both sides of King Street, east and west of Isabella Street, is going to remain in effect and will be extended. 

“The recommendations of this report will improve safety in the Hamlet and for pedestrians and other road users, reducing the risk of future collisions,” wrote Dedman, who noted signage for the changes can be accommodated within the Region's existing operating budget.