Worried about traffic safety? Richmond Hill to discuss new strategy in ward meetings this month

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 5, 2024

“Consistent and data-driven.”

That’s how Richmond Hill describes its new approach to traffic safety, which the city is eager to discuss with residents in all six wards this month.

Starting on Tuesday, Feb. 6, people can attend public meetings to ask questions about roads in their neighbourhoods and the first phase of the city’s Traffic Safety and Operations Strategy (TSOS).

Though York Region is responsible for major roads running through Richmond Hill, the city can and does manage traffic and lower speeds on local roads.

Since 2021, the city has lowered speed limits in 33 new locations, and built 11 new pedestrian crossovers and prohibited parking or stopping in 51 places.

The new strategy calls for Richmond Hill to survey all of its streets “to identify and prioritize areas of concern and implement operational and safety improvements, including traffic calming measures,” the city said in a release.

Residents say traffic safety is priority, and the new strategy will help, Mayor David West added.

“It will give our professional staff a comprehensive set of tools to respond proactively to problem areas and concerns in the community in a consistent data-driven manner.”

The Feb 6 meeting is at Bayview Hill Community Centre.

Others follow on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Elgin Barrow Arena, Thursday, Feb. 15 at Elgin West Community Centre, Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Richvale Community Centre, Thursday, Feb. 22 at Oak Ridges Community Centre, and Thursday, Feb. 29 at Langstaff Community Centre.

All sessions are from 6 to 8 p.m. and no pre-registration is needed.

More information on TSOS is at RichmondHill.ca/Traffic.