Community Safety Zones

• Amherst Drive

• Briscoe Street

• Durham Street

• Fairfield Boulevard

• Front Road

• Kildare Avenue

• North Street

• Park Crescent

• Upper Park Crescent

• Church Street (County Road 7 - signage to be installed shortly)

• Main Street (County Road 2 - signage to be installed shortly)

These roads have Community Safety Zones, but do not have reduced speed limits.

Resolution 2024-144 on June 11, 2024

1. That the report from the Engineering and Environment Division, June 11, 2024 re: School Zone Safety Review, be received;

2. That By-law 2024-65, being a By-law to Designate Community Safety Zones, be adopted;

3. That By-law 2024-66, being a By-law to amend By-law 2007-031 and Repeal By-law 2019-026 Loyalist Township Parking By-law, be adopted; and

4. That the proposed policy, Establishing a Community Safety Zone, be adopted.

Highway Traffic Act

In June 1998, the Province of Ontario passed Bill 26 to promote public safety through the creation of Community Safety Zones. The bill, and its regulatory changes, are targeted at improving road safety in Ontario. Under section 214.1 of the Highway Traffic Act, "The Council of a municipality may by by-law designate a part of a highway under its jurisdiction as a Community Safety Zone if, in the Council's opinion, public safety is of special concern on that part of a highway."

It is a designated area where additional measures are put in place to increase safety, typically around schools, playgrounds, and residential areas. These measures can include stricter speed limits, increased police presence, and enhanced road signage.

They help protect vulnerable populations such as children and pedestrians. By enforcing stricter safety regulations, these zones aim to reduce accidents and improve overall safety in the area.

• Around schools (both primary and secondary)

• Near playgrounds and recreational areas

• In residential neighborhoods with high pedestrian or traffic

• Areas with high accident rates or traffic concerns

Report any unsafe conditions or concerns to Loyalist Township Roads Department. Providing details and specific locations can help us address the issue more effectively. Unsafe Driving behaviour, including speeding and reckless driving, should be directed to the Local OPP Detachment in Odessa

Provincial legislation allows automated enforcement. These programs can include speed cameras/light boards, automated speed indication signage for drivers and increased patrols by traffic officers. Targeted safety campaigns can educate drivers about the important of safety measures and containing vehicle speed where there are likely to be many pedestrians. 

The decision usually lies with the local government or municipality and often made by city council, town council, County Council or other relevant local governing body. Before designating an area as a community safety zone, a number of factors are considered: traffic flow, accident history, proximity to schools or other high-risk areas, and community input.