40 km Campaign:
The Rationale:
There are several reasons why we chose to mount this campaign in our neighbourhood:
- It was identified as a priority in that it affected the entire neighbourhood and met the criteria of our Strategic Plan as something was "desirable", "do-able" and "winnable".
- Even a slight reduction in vehicular speed has a positive impact in reducing the harmful effects of collisions with other cars, cyclists and pedestrians (see "Traffic Views and News").
- There is an existing process in place at the City for requesting and submitting the petition.
- Going door to door is a good way to meet with and listen to the concerns of residents in the area and raising the profile of the issue (and others) and that of the neighbourhood association in general.
- It is the beginning of a process aimed towards traffic calming and diversion in the area in light of the intensification and development which will increase traffic throughout the streets in the neighbourhood.
- It demonstrates to the City and developers that residents in the area are involved and committed to the preservation of our neighbourhood.
CHNA in the News! - 40 is the new 50
Peter Eady, CHNA VP was on CBC Ottawa TV on Jan 28,2015 talking about the need to lower the standard speed limit on residential streets from 50 to 40 kph., to make our streets safer. Check it out HERE.
And if you're interested in learning more, there is an update on our 40km campaign, designed to lower speed limits in our residential and school areas. Check out our traffic page HERE.
And if you're interested in learning more, there is an update on our 40km campaign, designed to lower speed limits in our residential and school areas. Check out our traffic page HERE.
Province of Ontario pushing for 40km
The Province of Ontario has opened talks with municipalities to discuss making 40 km the new standard speed limit for residential streets and 30 km the limit near schools, or allowing municipalities to set those limits themselves. This would mean that Ottawa could set these limits for the entire city without requiring every street to petition to have the limit dropped and would negate the need to spend money on new speed limit signs. Here is our letter of support to Yasir Naqvi, MPP Ottawa Centre and his letter to the Minister of Transportation!
A Small Victory for Sherwood!
After being initially being denied eligibility for the 40km/h petition campaign because of its designation as a "minor collector", the Traffic Committee and Sherwood residents campaigned hard to get this changed. Starting with a "guerilla" petition which garnered over 95% approval by Sherwood residents, followed by constant lobbying of City staff and the Councillor and Mayor, the CHNA finally got results at last week's City Transportation Committee meeting of Oct. 2nd. The Committee approved/carried the motion for the speed reduction on Sherwood Drive in just a few minutes. The CHNA sent a delegation but didn't even need to speak. Attached is what we circulated to the Committee members in advance of the meeting. Thanks to all the residents for their hard effort!
| sherwood_drive_-_speed_reduction.pdf |