WHITEWATER REGION — Robertson Drive is located within a built-up area of Beachburg and yet, there is only one sign advising drivers the speed limit is 50 kilometres an hour.
On Pinewood Park Road near Haley Station, there is no sign advising of the speed limit, which means it’s 80 kilometres an hour, yet it leads to the Algonquin Trail, which is popular for those at a nearby equestrian ranch.
Requests were received by the Whitewater Region’s physical services committee for more signs on Robertson Drive and a reduction in speed on Pinewood Park Road.
On recommendations from the physical services committee, council agreed to add speed limit signs of 50 kilometres an hour on Robertson Drive, as well as a sign on Government Road just before it changes to Robertson Drive advising the speed limit will be reduced to 50 kilometres an hour.
The OPP will also be sent a letter advising there have been concerns expressed over the speed at which drivers are travelling Robertson Drive, said Janet Collins, manager of physical services, at last night’s council meeting.
“We cannot do enforcement, the Highway Traffic Act only allows us to dictate the speed, enforcement is by the police,” she said.
Pinewood Park Road will not have any speed reduction, but signs depicting Share the Road and Horseback Riding, will be erected, she noted. It is a rural road, which means the maximum speed limit is 80 kilometres an hour.
An equestrian group rides along Pinewood Park Road to get to the Algonquin Trail, she said.
Pinewood Park Road “is a rural road and we’re not recommending we change it,” Ms. Collins said.
There is always someone on every road that wants a speed limit change, she said.
The area will be monitored to see if the signs are doing what’s expected of drivers, and that’s driving with care, Ms. Janet said.
“The public will indicate if that’s not satisfactory,” she added.
Ms. Collins expects the signs, posts and hardware for both roads will cost somewhere between $300 to $500.
She noted that a consolidated speed limit bylaw is now underway. It will take time, as there is much signage research to be done, she added.
Also, a speed limit board will soon be purchased that will be erected on posts and traffic counts can be done, along with showing people their speed.
“Robertson Drive is the first place for the sign,” Ms. Collins said.
Councillor Cathy Regier thanked Ms. Collins for her follow-up regarding Robertson Drive, as she had also received concerns of speeding.
“It’s a really good thing to have those (signs) posted,” she said.
Councillor Dave Mackay said police are on patrol in the area, as his wife Margaret recently received a $90 ticket.
“I told her to slow down,” he added.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin was concerned there may be a flood of requests for equestrian rider signs.
“I kind of caution that idea,” he said. “I understand where you’re coming from….”
Ms. Collins said this area is appropriate for the equestrian sign as there is an equestrian ranch in the area.
