In response to community concerns, the Town is considering reducing speed limits on local roads from 50km/h to 30km/h to improve safety for all road users, including drivers and people who walk, bike, or ride a scooter. The change would affect the roads marked in purple below, which are classified as ‘local’ in the Official Community Plan.
To better understand community opinion on this topic, an online survey about speed limit reduction will be open until November 14.
Comments can also be submitted in writing to Town Hall or emailed to admin@sidney.ca.
Council will consider all feedback before determining next steps.
Not all roads in Sidney are considered ‘local’. Several roads are classified as arterial, collector, and provincial, and would not be affected by a speed reduction on local roads.
These roads are:
Ardwell Avenue
Beacon Avenue West
Canora Road *
Fifth Street **
Galaran Road
Mills Road/Mills Road West
McDonald Park Road *
Ocean Avenue**/ Ocean Ave West
Resthaven Drive (north of Mills Road)
Stirling Way
Weiler Avenue West
*shared road with District of North Saanich
** portions under Provincial jurisdiction
Council may consider changing speed limits on arterial and collector roads in the future.
Slower speeds contribute to quieter, more livable neighbourhoods and help reduce the number and impact of crashes. Slower drivers have more time to respond to sudden changes in their surroundings and respond to road conditions. According to Road Safety BC, a pedestrian hit at 30km an hour has a 90% chance of surviving, while pedestrian hit at 50km an hour has a 20% chance of surviving.
Several areas in Sidney already have 30 km/h speed limits including the downtown area, school zones, and the SHOAL Centre.
Speed limits are being reduced on locals roads in several neighbouring municipalities including the City of Victoria, and District of Saanich.
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