KAGAWONG—A motion that would have led to speed reductions on roads where farm equipment and operations are prevalent and where visibility is reduced has been defeated by Billings Township council. Instead, the township is going to have a review of all roads in the township.
“I am not opposed to speed reductions, but not for the sake of just reducing speed,” said Billings Mayor Bryan Barker at a council meeting last week. “I would rather have staff do a study and come up with other alternatives as well. I would rather see us do a deep dive as to why any road (in the township) is dangerous, where and research on what can be done to make it safer.”
Mayor Barker noted that through the Manitoulin Community Police Advisory Committee (CPAC), the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands’ (NEMI) used a speed indicator box to gain evidence into perceived speeding on Highway 6. Based on about 1,000 vehicles having gone past the speed reduction signs, it was found that there was some speeding going on—on average about 5-10 kilometres per hour above speed limits.
“Rather than jump into a motion, I think it would be better if we had staff do a little more research on the roads that have been identified and other roads in the township,” said Mayor Barker.
Deputy Mayor David Hillyard had brought forward a motion that the township direct staff to draft a bylaw for the speed reduction on the following roads: Pleasant Valley Road, 8th Concession, 10th Concession, Fraser Road and Newburn Road from an unposted speed limit of 80 km per hour to a posted speed reduction of 50 km per hour and secondly that the roads department supervisor be directed to have staff install new posted speed signs of 50/km an hour as soon as possible. The motion also calls for, “the new speed reduction on agricultural roads be advertised in the local newspaper and on all social media platforms to show our support of our agriculture community in support of safer roads as identified last July 2023 by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) slow moving vehicle campaign.”
A letter from the Manitoulin/North Shore Federation of Agriculture was received in support of speed limit reduction where farm equipment and operations are prevalent and where visibility is reduced.
“I agree with the recommended motion I have put forward,” said Councillor Hillyard. “In 2021 township staff had begun looking at all of this. This is not a new topic. We already identified the roads that are concerning to the OFA, and this is the next step, in reducing the speeds.”
“We have already done research and identified the roads that are dangerous for farmers with large equipment vehicles,” said Councillor Hillyard. He pointed out the provincial government recently increased speed limits on a series of 400 highways. Speeding is taking place on highways and side roads, he said. He also noted last year there were two serious accidents on the Island involving motor vehicles and two local farmers.
“There are two components to the motion,” said Councillor Hillyard. “Educating the public about farm equipment and having vehicles that come upon them reducing speeds from 80 to 60-50 km/hour to hopefully slow people down and prevent accidents.”
“I support the motion completely,” stated Councillor Vince Grogan. “The farming community has concerns with safety and a lack of respect from other vehicle drivers in speeding to get past slow moving vehicles and the danger this can pose.”
Councillor Ian Anderson said in the case of Newburn Road, there is very little agriculture activity on the road, but due to hills on the road at the north end it poses a safety factor with some people travelling in the middle of the road up the hills and the concerns with meeting oncoming traffic. He noted there is an increase in population on the road at this time of the year and many people do not have full knowledge of the hills.
“There are things we can do as a municipality to increase road safety. I don’t necessarily feel speed limits are the answer, or the only one,” said Councillor Anderson. “With the increase in traffic on the road at this time of the year road signage at the top and bottom of the hill is needed. I agree with the speed limit policy and the need to look at road signage where safety is a question.”
“I support the motion in principle, but I just feel more research needs to be done and to take more time before a final decision is made,” said Mayor Barker.
“We are not taking the proposed motion off the table. No member of council is opposed to speed reductions,” said Mayor Barker, “but for staff to do more research on speed limits and signage and other alternatives on roads and sections of roads where safety measures need to be in place.”
Councillors Anderson and Mike Hunt along with Mayor Barker voted against Councillor Hillyard’s proposed motion, which received support from Councillor Grogan.
A second motion was considered, put forward by Councillor Hillyard seconded by Councillor Grogan, “That the township of Billings council hereby directs staff to complete a review of all roads in the township of Billings in line with OFA, community safety and the strategic plan.”
