"40 is the New 50"
Community Area Speed Limit Project
The municipality has launched a Community Area Speed Limit Project to help improve motorist, cyclist and pedestrian safety on our roads. The project came forward as a result of changes to the Highway Traffic Act which give Council new options in managing and creating speed zones on municipal roads.
The municipality currently enforces a speed by-law for designated areas within towns, villages, settlement areas and hamlets known as "community speed zones" that have a speed limit of 50km/h. Through the Community Area Speed Limit project, these zones will be reduced down to 40km/h. The campaign for the project, “40 is the new 50”, aims to educate and spread awareness to communities regarding the new speed limits and the importance of road safety.
The project will follow a phased approach:
Phase one, which focuses on rural speed zones, will begin to be implemented in October 2021. This includes the following areas: Bethany, Burnt River, Coboconk, Kinmount, Kirkfield, Little Britain, Manilla, Norland, Oakwood, Omemee, Pontypool, Janetville, Seagrave, Sonya, Victoria Road and Woodville.
Phase two, which focuses on urban speed zones, will be implemented in 2022. This includes the following areas: Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls and Lindsay.
Which roads will be affected by the new speed limits?
Beginning with phase one, there will be a total of 16 communities where the updated signage will be installed. Each community, including a map of all roads impacted, are available on the Community Area Speed Limit project page.
When will the new speed limits be enforced?
Phase one installation will begin in early October and is expected to be complete by the end of the year. As soon as the signs are installed and visible on the road, the new speed limits become enforceable. Kawartha Lakes Police and OPP have been notified of the impacted areas and will be supporting the project through enforcement and education.
Are all roads within the community going to be reduced down to 40km/h?
No, only roads marked with red on the maps provided above will be reduced down to 40. The new speed limit signs being installed indicate where the 40km/h limit begins and where it ends. Drivers need to keep an eye out for the marked signage to know where the speed limit changes for impacted areas.
How will I be notified of changes to my community?
Updates will be provided through Kawartha Lakes news outlets when new community signs are being installed. Be sure to follow the municipality on social media, sign up to receive email updates directly to your device and check the municipality’s website for any changes to the project’s schedule.
