Written By JOSHUA DRAKES

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Shelburne Council has approved a new traffic calming strategy that will see 34 permanent speed cushions installed across five streets, with additional measures planned as funding becomes available.

The strategy was presented to council during an Aug. 24 meeting in response to ongoing concerns about speeding, traffic volumes and pedestrian safety. A staff report to council notes that traffic calming is intended to reduce vehicle speeds and cut-through traffic while improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

Council approved permanent speed cushions at five locations: five on Anishinaabe Drive between Red Elm Road and Highway 24; five on Berry Street between Fiddle Park Lane and Greenwood Street; four on Fiddle Park Lane between Berry Street and Morden Street; 10 on Greenwood Street between Main Street East and Fiddle Park Lane; and 10 on Simon Street between Victoria Street and Main Street East.

During the discussion, council questioned how the permanent installations would affect snow clearing and emergency response.

Staff said the design would account for snow maintenance, while the fire department had indicated it could navigate around the traffic-calming measures.

The approved measures are expected to be implemented in 2026, subject to budget availability. The report estimates the capital cost at $231,500, which can be covered by funding the town has already received through the provincial Road Safety Initiative Fund.

Council also approved the recommendations for submitting a further RSIF funding application for traffic-calming measures and requested that Dufferin County consider transferring ownership of portions of County Road 124, County Road 11 and Side Road 30 to the town.

The transfer is intended to grant Shelburne greater control over traffic safety, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and future road planning.

Council ultimately accepted the report and approved all recommendations.