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Speed limit reductions at 10 locations across York Region will increase traveller safety

May 01, 2023

Newmarket – York Regional Council approved reducing speed limits at 10 locations on various Regional roads. Reductions include:

  • The Queensway South from 80 metres south of Joe Dales Drive/McMillan Drive to Glenwoods Avenue in the Town of Georgina – 60 km/hr to 50 km/hr
  • Weir’s Sideroad from 400 metres north of Ravenshoe Road to Old Homestead Road in the Town of Georgina – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • Lloydtown-Aurora Road from 1 kilometre east of 8th Concession to 400 metres east of 8th Concession in the Township of King – 80 km/hr to 60 km/hr
  • Lloydtown-Aurora Road from 400 metres east of 8th Concession Road to Highway 27 in the Township of King – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • McCowan Road from 945 metres north of Major Mackenzie Drive East to Stouffville Road in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and City of Markham – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • Kennedy Road from 300 metres north of Major Mackenzie Drive East to 150 metres south of Stouffville Road in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and City of Markham – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • Warden Avenue from Heritage Hill Drive to Stouffville Road in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and City of Markham – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • Woodbine Avenue from 478 metres south of 19th Avenue to Stouffville Road in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and City of Markham – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • Stouffville Road from Woodbine Avenue to 700 metres west of Highway 48 in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • Ninth Line from 150 metres north of 16th Avenue to 200 metres north of Donald Cousens Parkway in the City of Markham – 70 km/hr to 60 km/hr

“As our communities continue to grow and more people are travelling, either walking, cycling, taking transit or driving, it is important we are adjusting speed limits appropriately to ensure everyone is safe,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable travellers and, as vehicle speed increases, severe injury rates from collisions with pedestrians and vehicles rise dramatically.”

Annual review of speed limits on Regional roads and revisions are recommended and approved based on principles, including industry standards and the Regional Speed Limit Policy, which guides decisions for a consistent approach. The Highway Traffic Act gives Regional Council authority to revise speed limits under 100 km/hr. 

“There is a balance required in setting speed limits that take a number of factors into consideration to keep travellers in our growing communities safe,” said Town of Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas, Chair of the Region’s Public Works Transportation Services. “Lowering speed limits in these areas will help to protect travellers as the Region continues to intensify and traffic volumes increase.”

To notify travellers of the speed limit changes, speed limit signs are placed at the beginning of each changed speed zone, and for the first 60 to 90 days include a sign on the top with the word “NEW”.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.2 million residents and 55,600 businesses with more than 615,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices 

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Media Contact:

Tamara Ostrowski, Corporate Communications
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71226
Cell: 905-251-6412
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