Change is coming to several key roadways in Orillia, a measure the city administration asserts is aimed squarely at enhancing the safety of its residents, particularly those most vulnerable on its streets. Drivers navigating certain corridors will soon notice new signage heralding the arrival of designated Community Safety Zones, accompanied by a reduced speed limit intended to foster a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
The City of Orillia has designated three specific areas as new Community Safety Zones: Fittons Road East and West, Park Street, and Westmount Drive South. Over the next month, motorists can expect to see crews installing signs clearly marking these zones and indicating the new mandatory speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour. This initiative represents a significant shift from typical school zone restrictions, which are often limited to specific hours on school days. These Community Safety Zones, however, are permanent fixtures, operating continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mayor Don McIsaac has articulated the city’s rationale, emphasizing that road safety stands as a primary concern for the community. The presence of vulnerable road users, especially children, in these areas necessitates stronger protective measures. The implementation of these zones, according to the Mayor, signifies decisive action being taken to curb speeding and better safeguard all who share the roads, whether they are walking, cycling, or driving.
This move is not occurring in isolation. It is designed to function in concert with Orillia’s planned Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program. The infrastructure for ASE, specifically cameras, is anticipated to be installed and become operational by approximately mid-June. The synergy between the constant presence of the Community Safety Zones and the technological oversight of ASE aims to create a powerful incentive for drivers to adhere strictly to the posted speed limits.
A crucial component of these new zones lies within the provincial Highway Traffic Act. Under this legislation, traffic violations committed within a designated Community Safety Zone carry significantly increased fines compared to identical infractions elsewhere. This raises an important consideration: do fines act as preventative measures? The city is banking on the deterrent effect of steeper penalties, coupled with the lower speed limit and impending automated enforcement, to modify driver behaviour effectively. The logic suggests that the increased financial risk will encourage greater caution and compliance.
The distinction from traditional school zones is noteworthy. While school zones focus protection during arrival and dismissal times, these Community Safety Zones offer continuous vigilance. The 40 km/h limit isn’t temporary; it’s the new standard for these stretches of road, demanding constant driver awareness. Whether this combination of reduced speed, around-the-clock enforcement potential, and the promise of heavier fines will achieve the desired long-term reduction in speeding incidents remains the key outcome the city and its residents will be watching closely in the months ahead.
Ultimately, the success of these zones will be measured by the tangible improvement in safety felt by pedestrians, cyclists, and indeed, drivers themselves on Fittons Road, Park Street, and Westmount Drive South. The city has laid the groundwork; the response from the driving public will determine its effectiveness.
References:
Putting the brakes on speeding on Orillia’s city streets
