Default speed limit to drop to 40 km/hr in Bracebridge

After hours of discussion and months of consultation, Bracebridge council has approved the Transportation Master Plan (TMP), which includes a provision to drop the default speed limit in town to 40 km/h. 

The default speed limit – also known as the posted speed limit – will be set at 40 km/h on all local and collector roads overseen by Bracebridge. The change doesn’t affect any roads watched over by the District of Muskoka. 

Geoff Carleton, Director of Public Works, explained during the Dec. 5 General Committee meeting that the change is being enacted by other Ontario municipalities to make streets safer for motorists and pedestrians. 

Coun. Don Smith and Archie Buie pushed back against including the speed limit change, however, they were the only councillors who felt that way. 

Smith said the TMP should be approved but argued it would be “premature to move forward” with the speed limit change without consulting with the OPP who he pointed out will be the ones enforcing the issue. 

“There are a number of individuals in the community who are somewhat concerned about the adjustment to 40 km/h,” he claimed. 

Carleton said staff reached out to “many partners” in the community about the TMP, but added, “to date, I haven’t heard back from the Ontario Provincial Police.” 

Buie suggested they need to know if the police can effectively enforce the change, specifically in the rural areas of town. He added that since the TMP was started from scratch, due diligence must be taken. 

Carleton explained the next steps will see staff tasked with updating the town’s speed control by-law. He said when that happens, it will be brought back to council for review and approval. 

“We can absolutely direct staff to contact the Bracebridge OPP and speak to them about different roads or roads of concern for enforcement or for speed changes,” he added. 

The TMP has been discussed for multiple months with the speed limit drop being the main reason for the delay in approving it. It was deferred to the Dec. 5 General Commitee meeting in Nov. after council decided more information was needed. 

Like at council, during the recent committee meeting, Smith suggested approving the TMP without the speed limit change. It was approved with no changes with Smith and Buie the only ones voting against it.