ONE SPEED LIMIT GOING UP AND TWO GOING DOWN IN BRACEBRIDGE THIS FALL, IN LATEST DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA ROADS REVIEW

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

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MUSKOKA — Local drivers will have to watch new speed limit signs on three area roads in Bracebridge starting this fall.

Including the main downtown section of its main street.

The District of Muskoka council, in one of its last acts of its elected term, has approved staff recommended speed limit changes on three sections of district roads. They say in a release Friday they come following an area-wide review of “road conditions, traffic speeds, surrounding land uses and safety.”

The speed changes were approved Aug. 20, and take effect in the coming weeks — once signs are installed.

The following speed limit changes were approved:

Muskoka Road 20 (Doe Lake Road): 

  • The speed limit will increase from 60 km/h to 70 km/h between Uffington Road and Housey’s Rapids Road.

Muskoka Road 37 (Manitoba Street):

  • The speed limit will decrease from 50 km/h to 40 km/h between Monck Road and Ecclestone Drive.

Muskoka Road 42 (Taylor Road):

  • The speed limit will decrease from 50 km/h to 30 km/h between Front Street and Manitoba Street.
Manitoba Street will see the speed reduced to 40 km/h through the Heart of Muskoka, between Monck Road and Ecclestone Drive. PHOTO Bracebridge BIA

All other speed limits reviewed on district roads in Bracebridge remain unchanged.

According to staff member James Steele, commissioner of engineering and public works, “A consistent, evidence-based approach helps drivers, pedestrians and cyclists know what to expect and supports safer travel across Muskoka. Speed limits should reflect the road, its surroundings and how people use it.”

The district manages about 730 kilometres of roads across Muskoka.

Council last updated its speed limit policy last year and plans to introduce a regular reviews.

All roads are reviewed over a six-year period, one area municipality at a time.

In the past, speed limits were often reviewed after a complaint, a municipal request, or a collision. It says the updated policy “ensures that every district road is reviewed regularly, with a consistent approach,” said Steele.

During reviews he said staff consider:

  • Road design and surrounding conditions;
  • Traffic speeds and volumes;
  • Nearby homes, businesses and other land uses;
  • Collision and safety history; and
  • Pedestrian and cycling activity.

Staff used recognized Canadian transportation engineering guidance, along with local road conditions and safety data, to determine whether a speed limit should increase, decrease or remain the same.

What to expect if you’re behind the wheel

New speed limit signs will be installed along the three affected sections. The new limits will take effect once the signs are posted.

Georgian Bay Township roads next up for review

Staff will take a look at Georgian Bay Township rules next, with recommendations expected to come to committee in 2027.

To learn more about how speed limits are reviewed on the District of Muskoka Roads and Bridges webpage.

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