By Emily Stonehouse

Community concerns around speed limits have been promptly considered by Dysart staff.

During the last meeting of Dysart council at the end of August, resident Kim Stamp, a member of Haliburton by the Lake Owners’ Association, brought a delegation to council, requesting a speed limit change around Halbiem Crescent, from 50 kilometres an hour down to 30.

“We feel that this is a very serious safety concern for all residents of Haliburton County,” said Stamp. “Not just our neighborhood.”

At the time, council members agreed that a speed limit change could be made, keeping safety at top of mind, but directed staff to run a study to quantify the concern. “If people are travelling 60 (kilometers per hour) in there, maybe it is a bigger issue than a community safety zone and lowering the speed,” said Director of Public Works, Rob Camelon. “We won’t know that until we have data.”

One of Camelon’s concerns around adopting a new limit came with precedent, noting that there could be an influx of similar requests if the speed limit is changed. “If they don’t pay attention to the sign that says 50, they probably won’t pay attention to the sign that says 30 is my concern,” said Camelon.

During the Sept. 22 council meeting, with Camelon absent, CAO Tamara Wilbee noted that staff had set up speed monitors around Halbiem area.

“Rob did get out to check the speeds out there,” she said, “and currently with the 50 kilometre and hour zone, there isn’t a speeding issue. People are typically staying under the 50. That doesn’t mean that it’s maybe not too fast for that area, but he thinks 30 is a reasonable request, but he’d recommend a speed area zone.”

For an identified speed area zone, the minimum for speed notification is two signs present, with council given the option for increase if needed. Wilbee noted that Camelon could have a speed bylaw in place by the next meeting.

“I support that wholly,” said acting Deputy Mayor Pat Casey. “50 kilometres is great for some areas, but I think Halbiem definitely could use that.”

“It’s definitely what the residents want in there,” agreed Mayor Walt McKechnie. “I think we should let them have their 30 kilometre speed limit and move forward. They’re the ones who live in there.”

Council approved a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour around Halbiem Crescent, with a speed bylaw promised for the upcoming meeting of council.