Speed limit to drop near new Oro-Medonte school

Horseshoe Heights Public School in Oro-Medonte, Ont. (CTV News/Rob Cooper)

Motorists in Oro-Medonte will soon have to slow down near the new Horseshoe Heights Elementary School. The County of Simcoe plans to lower the speed limit on County Road 22 and create a Community Safety Zone to improve safety for students and families.

The change comes after the County said residents raised concerns about vehicles travelling too fast near the school, which opened earlier this year at Line 4 North and County Road 22.

The posted speed limit is currently 70 kilometres per hour, but the County is recommending it be reduced to 60 km/h for 500 metres in both directions from Line 4 North.

In addition, the County says its staff reviewed the need for a Community Safety Zone to be added along the school frontage, from 450 metres east of Line 4 North to 100 metres west of Line 4 North. Within these zones, fines for most traffic offences are doubled to discourage unsafe driving.

A new roundabout is also being built at County Road 22 and Line 4 North. It will include pedestrian crossings and signs meant to slow traffic even further.

The County said it based the changes on traffic data, pedestrian safety, and community feedback, noting County Road 22 sees about 6,300 vehicles each day.

Officials report the cost of installing new speed and safety zone signs will come from the County’s existing transportation maintenance budget. The changes will be finalized once County council approves the necessary by-law.