The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) continues to receive correspondence from the public as it prepares to present proposed adjustments to the speed limit along Highway 26 between Collingwood and the Town of the Blue Mountains (TBM).
Last summer MTO reduced the speed limit on Highway 26 from 80 km/h to 50 km/h from Delphi Lane to Grey Road 21 from July 10 to Oct. 13 due to safety concerns.
Similar plans are currently being examined by MTO for the coming summer months, and according to TBM staff, MTO will be presenting its plans to council on June 15.
“Right now we are still working with MTO. We have a meeting on Thursday to talk a little bit more detail about the proposed changes to the speed limit on that section that they're looking to put in through regulatory change,” said Shawn Carey, director of operations for TBM during a council meeting held on Monday afternoon.
Last July, the speed limit adjustment drew both applause and criticism from the public. And according to Carey, the issue continues to draw concern from members of the public as the summer months quickly approach.
“As of Thursday last week, MTO had received 65 emails from residents expressing or putting forward comments. We're going to provide a summary of those in the staff report that's coming forward on June 15,” he said. “MTO has definitely listened to the residents and they're continuing to do that.”
While town staff did not provide any insight into what MTO is planning to propose, TBM deputy mayor Rob Potter said to expect change.
“I think we're all going have to get used to the idea that Highway 26 – the use of Highway 26 – is changing,” Potter said. “We should probably get used to the idea that there are likely going to be more stoplights and more pedestrian crossings. And we're likely going to see some reduced speeds here and there.”
The proposed changes to Highway 26 are expected to be presented by MTO to TBM council at the committee of the whole meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. on June 15.
