PUSLINCH – Members of the newly-formed Maltby Community Association got some swift action from council after introducing themselves at council’s July 12 meeting.
Robert Vosburgh and Bill Harrison, on behalf of the association’s 35 members, spoke about the increased speed and volume of traffic on Maltby Road and their concerns about safety now and into the future.
“The stop signs at Victoria and Watson have helped, as have the lights at Gordon Street,” Vosburgh said.
“They have calmed traffic somewhat and we appreciate that. But now between the intersections, it has become a fast road.”
With growth in Guelph’s south end looming, commuter traffic will only get worse, he said, adding the community group wants to be pro-active and work with the township as it plans roads.
The group has put its own “slow down” signs on their front lawns and has reached out to OPP for more surveillance.
They hoped the township could do some things to mitigate speeding, like putting up portable solar electronic speed signs, installing speed humps when paving roads, and wildlife crossings where needed.
“Design roads with safety and rural sensitivity,” Vosburgh urged council. “Focus on what causes safety, not what causes accidents.”
“We know there’s going to be change,” added Harrison. “We accept it. We want to be part of it. Please involve us.”
Clerk Courtenay Hoytfox noted staff is updating the Roads Management Master Plan and it is to be presented to council in August.
Mayor James Seeley was sympathetic but worried that speed humps might pose a problem for first responders and snowplows.
Councillor John Sepulis noted speeding is an issue throughout the township.
“I understand where you’re coming from,” he said.
“I’m very concerned about speed. We need a solution that’s equitable to all.”
Councillor Sara Bailey said Caledon has painted lines on the road that make roads appear narrower and drivers tend to slow down.
Seeley liked the idea of staff looking into the possibility of having a policy where this kind of paint mitigation and electronic speed signs are considered as part of the construction process.
“It would be a great direction forward if it was part of our policy,” he said.
He said the county is looking into automated speed enforcement – speeding cameras – but they are only installed in designated community safety zones.
“You only need two or three cameras and then boxes that look like cameras,” he said.
“That puts the cost of speeding on the speeder.”
He also encouraged the association to delegate to Guelph council.
Seeley believes most of the traffic that goes through Aberfoyle and Morriston originates in Guelph.
“We need you in front of their council. Their council needs to hear this,” Seeley said.
Council passed a resolution to:
- look at the cost of obtaining two solar mobile speed signs during 2024 budget deliberations;
- consider a lane marking strategy and electronic speed indictors in the Roads Master Plan; and
- forward the resolution to the OPP Police Services Board.
