The Municipality of North Grenville is inviting the public and key community stakeholders to review the proposed new transportation policies in response to traffic related concerns raised by residents. These policies include creating a new Road Safety Strategy, Truck Route Policy, and updating the existing Traffic Calming Policy and Speed Limit Policy.
Click on the links below to review the transportation policies.
The Road Safety Strategy will review existing road safety concerns and outline actions for improving road safety for all road users in the Municipality. As part of the Strategy, education programs will be developed to raise awareness of road safety issues.
READ the Road Safety Strategy here.
The Truck Routes Policy will establish a network for efficient goods movement including priority routes in the Municipality. This will include a roadway signage strategy and a Goods Movement By-law.
Read the Draft Truck Route Policy here.
The Traffic Calming Policy will help Municipal staff identify situations where traffic calming measures may be warranted, either in the design of new subdivisions and site plans or to address traffic intrusion and/or speeding issues on existing streets, and to select the most appropriate treatment to apply. The Policy will also describes measures to supplement the physical traffic calming treatments, such as education, message signs, neighbourhood traffic committees and police enforcement.
Read the Traffic Calming Policy here.
The Speed Limit Policy will aid Municipal staff in establishing consistent, enforceable, and safe speed limits within the municipality. Separate guidance will be provided for setting speed limits on urban and rural roads given their different characteristics and conditions. The policy will also include procedures for reviewing and screening public requests to address speeding.
Read the Speed Limit Policy here.
To keep up-to-date on the development of these policies and to find out when opportunities to provide feedback on them are happening, be sure to check back on the website regularly. All updates will be posted on the website and the Municipality's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Background:
Read the Report from the January 20, 2021 virtual community meeting here.
Read the January 9, 2021 Media Release HERE.
Read the October 29, 2020 Media Release HERE.
North Grenville Transportation Policies Community Meeting Summary - February 2021
For more information contact:
Ryan Brault Operations Superintendent
Click to email
613-258-9569 ext. 172
Promoting Road Safety for Everyone
A road safety public awareness campaign has launched to promote safe driving behaviours and make roads in North Grenville safer for all users. This campaign will feature a different road safety topic each month such as, distracted driving, school bus safety, pedestrian crossovers, and driving without wearing a seatbelt.
Follow the campaign on Facebook and Twitter using #RoadsafetyNG
Road Safety Themes for 2021:
October: Safety around Farm Vehicles
Safety around Farm Vehicles – Slow Down and Be Patient
NORTH GRENVILLE, ON – It’s the time of year when farm equipment is using the roads more frequently in North Grenville. Passing farm vehicles can be very dangerous, and local farmers are reminding drivers to have patience around farm vehicles.
“We would like to remind drivers to slow down and be patient when approaching a farm vehicle, and only pass when safe to do so,” said Laura Scott, Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and local Farmer.
Farm equipment is often prone to rolling or tipping should it have to correct or veer suddenly. Farm equipment is often travelling with very heavy and very wide loads, and it can make seeing behind or around it difficult.
“We take pride and care in producing the best tasting food for your family. All we ask is that you exercise caution around farm equipment so we can do our jobs safely. And please be patient,” added Ms. Scott.
Tips for Driving near and around Farm Vehicles:
- Slow down and share the road.
- Watch for a red and orange triangle sign. This means the vehicle cannot drive faster than 40km/hr.
- Pass safely. Make sure you have ample space to pass and make sure the driver can see you before you pass.
- Do not speed past farm machinery. Even when you may pass safely and legally, a fast-moving vehicle may cause the machinery to sway and become unstable.
- Watch for hand signals. Just because a tractor veers right does not mean the operator is pulling over for you to pass. The sheer size of farm equipment often dictates the necessity of wide turns–hence the veer right. If a tractor operator is signaling you to wait, trust them. He/She has a much higher vantage point than you.
- Do not expect the vehicle to pull over on the shoulder. Driving with one set of wheels on the pavement and one set on loose-surfaced shoulders substantially increases the risk of overturn.
September: Back to School Safety
As families prepare for students to go back to school, the North Grenville Road Safety Committee is reminding everyone to be safe as they travel to and from school – whether it be by active travel (walk or bike), or by car or bus.
Motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop for children and school buses. Motorists should also be watching for children walking or riding their bikes to school, particularly at road crossings.
Safe Walking Route Maps: With more parents choosing to drive their children to school, drop off and pick up may be more hectic. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Public Health Unit along with their active school travel partners developed safe walking route maps families can use. If it isn’t feasible to walk the entire way, consider parking a block or two away from the school and walk the rest of the way. This will help relieve traffic and is a great way to be active.
Safe Route School Maps for the following schools are available for download:
School Zones and Community Safety Zones: Slowdown in school zones and be extra cautious. Motorists should watch for Community Safety Zones, where fines are doubled if caught speeding. Community Safety Zones are clearly marked with road signs and are located along Country Road 44, Concession Road and Clothier Street.
School Zone – A School Zone is an areas within 150 metres on either side of a school which has a lower speed limit during school hours.
Community Safety Zone - A Community Safety Zone is an area where public safety is of special concern, such as areas around schools. Fines are doubled if caught speeding in the area.
Schools in North Grenville and the safety zone designation:
- Oxford on the Rideau Public School (50 Water St.) – School Zone with speed limit of 50 km/hr
- Kemptville Public School (County Road 44) – Community Safety Zone with speed limit of 60 km/hr
- South Branch Public School/ Rivière-Rideau/Académie Notre Dame (Concession Road) – Community Safety Zone with speed limit of 40 km/hr
- North Grenville District High School (Concession Road) – Community Safety Zone with speed limit of 40 km/hr
- Holy Cross School (Clothier Street) – Community Safety Zone with speed limit of 40 km/hr
- St. Mike’s High School (County Road 43) – School zone with speed limit that changes during school hours from 60 km/hr to 40 km/hr.
July 2021: Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most serious road safety issues on Ontario roadways. It can include talking on a phone, texting, reading, using a GPS, watching videos, eating or drinking, smoking, personal grooming, or even adjusting the radio. Always put your phone away before you get behind the wheel and be alert while driving.
Tips to Avoid Distractions while Driving:
- Put your phone away: Before you drive, switch your phone to silent mode and put it out of reach. Do not text, use apps or read emails, and let calls go to voicemail.
- Review your route: Set the GPS and review all maps and directions.
- Prepare your kids and yourself: Make sure children have everything they need before you go – reading materials, toys, food and drink. And make sure you’re ready, too – including having all your personal grooming done before you get behind the wheel.
- Drive actively: Avoid eating or drinking and keep two hands on the wheel.
- Pull over: If you must answer your phone, pull over to safe location or use a Bluetooth device.
May 2021: Safety in Construction Zones
Drive Safely in Work Zones: Be Alert and Expect the Unexpected
Warmer weather means that road construction season in in effect. Fines are doubled for speeding in a construction zone when workers are present. Drivers can also be fined up to $500 and three demerit points for not obeying the sign of the traffic control person.
Tips for Driving through Construction Zones:
- Plan ahead and avoid delays. Be aware of construction zones and consider alternative routes.
- Pay attention at all times. Do not be distracted by the radio or cell phones; do not eat or drink while driving.
- Adhere to the posted speed limit and other signage.Watch for workers, signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, or uneven pavement.
- Keep a safe distance between vehicles - sudden stops are common in construction zones.
- Expect the unexpected. Road surfaces and traffic patterns change frequently in work zones. Anticipate detours and stops.
Read the May 2021 Media Release here.
March 2021: Slow Down
Speeding is the number 1 cause of death on the roads. Drivers are being reminded to slow down and follow the speed limits.
The Municipality implemented a community wide 40 km/h speed limit in the urban core of Kemptville in August 2020. The area includes South of County Road 43 to Concession Road, Somerville Road and Hurd St to the West, as well as Van Buren to Bridge St. and Wellington Road to the East. The Tempo Subdivision on dePencier Drive and the eQuinelle Subdivision have also been included. The Municipality is considering a similar approach for rural hamlets.
If residents wish to report a car that is speeding please contact the OPP at: 1-888-310-1122 or submit a detailed traffic report online at www.opp.ca (Click on “Report Online”). For all emergencies call 9-1-1.
For ongoing traffic concerns, residents are encouraged to fill out a Traffic Concern Form on the Municipal website (click on the Service Request/Concerns icon on the homepage at www.northgrenville.ca). Forms are directed to Public Works staff to determine the course of action. The complaint may also be forwarded to the North Grenville Police Services Board.
Read the March 2021 media release here
Road Safety Themes for 2020:
August: Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most serious road safety issues on Ontario roadways. It can include talking on a phone, texting, reading, using a GPS, watching videos, eating or drinking, smoking, personal grooming, or even adjusting the radio. Always put your phone away before you get behind the wheel and be alert while driving.
Tips to Avoid Distractions while Driving:
- Put your phone away: Before you drive, switch your phone to silent mode and put it out of reach. Do not text, use apps or read emails, and let calls go to voicemail.
- Review your route: Set the GPS and review all maps and directions.
- Prepare your kids and yourself: Make sure children have everything they need before you go – reading materials, toys, food and drink. And make sure you’re ready, too – including having all your personal grooming done before you get behind the wheel.
- Drive actively: Avoid eating or drinking and keep two hands on the wheel.
- Pull over: If you must answer your phone, pull over to safe location or use a Bluetooth device.
July: Share the Road
Warmer weather brings more bicycles and motorcycles on the roadways.
Cyclists and motorcyclist are more likely to be injured or killed in a collision because they do not have the safeguards when it comes to protection.
Be extra careful when passing cyclists on undivided roads. Passing them too closely can cause the rider to lose control. Always ensure you leave at least one-metre distance between the vehicle and bike when passing them. It’s the law.
Safety tips for Cyclists:
- Be Heard - Use your bell, horn, hand signals or voice to communicate that you are passing or approaching.
- Be protected, wear a helmet - a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a fall or collision.
Safety tips for Motorcycle riders:
- Don’t follow too closely. Leaving space gives you time to manoeuvre and avoid a collision.
- Slow down and be extra vigilant at intersections.
May: Maintain your SPEED
Speeding is the number 1 cause of death on the roads.
While there has been fewer cars on the roads during the COVID-19 pandemic, the OPP have noticed an increase in speeding and stunt driving on some highways. Stunt driving includes street racing and driving more than 50 km/hr over the posted limit.
Be sure to stay within the maximum speed limit posted on signs. Empty roads are not an invitation to speed. Please follow the speed limits.
Why should drivers slow down or drive the speed limit?
- To increase reaction time, braking distance and field of vision.
- To save someone’s life.
- To save unnecessry fines, penalities, demerit points or an increase in insurance costs.
March: Roundabouts
Roundabouts are designed to improve the flow of traffic and make intersections safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
Key tips when approaching a roundabout:
- Slow down and yield to drivers in the roundabout
- Enter when there is a safe gap in the traffic
- Indicate a right turn as you approach your exit
- Stay in your lane; do not change lanes
- Do not stop inside the roundabout (except to avoid a collision)
- Remember to always watch for and yield to pedestrians
This graphic shows how to use a Roundabout (courtesy of the City of Hamilton):
For more information visit the MTO website.
February: Keep your Distance
Keep Your Distance when driving.
Be sure to leave enough space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Following too close, or Tailgating, puts you at risk of a collision.
In winter weather conditions, it takes vehicles longer to stop, so be sure to give yourself extra time, leave extra space between you and vehicle ahead of you, and slow down.
Leave room for plows - Give snow plows plenty of space! When approaching a plow from behind, slow down, stay back and be patient.
NEVER pass a snow plow! It is extremely dangerous and could result in a severe or even fatal collision.
For more information download the MTO Winter Safe Driving Booklet.
2020 Media Releases:
October Road Safety Theme: Roundabouts
September Road Safety Theme: Back to School Safety
August Road Safety Theme: Distracted Driving
July Road Safety Theme: Share the Road
JUNE ROAD SAFETY THEME: Impaired Driving Hurts us All
May Road Safety: MAINTAIN YOUR SPEED
March Road Safety: ROUNDABOUTS
February Road Safety: KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Road Safety Public Awareness Campaign Launched
The North Grenville Road Safety Committee formed in November 2019 to develop this campaign. The Committee was facilitated by the North Grenville Police Services Board, and is comprised of:
