After a short summer break, Lanark County Council returned to regular council and committee meetings on Aug 11. 

Council passed a by-law authorizing a reduced speed limit on County Road 43 from 400 meters west of Glenview Road to Mazie Street in Smiths Falls. The speed on this section of roadway will be reduced from 80 km per hour to 70. At the public works committee of the whole meeting in June, Public Works Manager Sean Derouin explained speed limits on county roads have been evaluated and established using the Transportation Association of Canada’s (TAC) Guideline tool. “During a review of the corridor control in this area after several public complaints, it has been determined the posted speed is recommended to be 70 km/h based on the TAC tool,” Derouin said. “Traffic utilizing this section of road must move at a reduced speed because of numerous entrances and side streets and to ensure the safety of all road users.” The reduced speed will come into effect as soon as signs are erected.

County Road 19 (also known as Bennett Lake Road) also received a speed adjustment. The speed limit reduction will be 60 km per hour from 275 meters west of the intersection with County Road 7 to its intersection with County Road 36, and 50 km per hour from the intersection with County Road 7 to a point 275 meters west of the said intersection.

Council also passed a by-law related to speed to address safety concerns at the intersection of County Road 17 (Appleton Side Road) and Cavanagh Road, and has undertaken a process with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regarding the installation of an all-way stop to control the intersection. 

The by-law extends a reduced speed limit of 70 km per hour from the intersection of Hwy. 7 to 300 meters north of Cavanagh Road. At the public works committee meeting held in June, Public Works Manager Sean Derouin explained the intersection is of mutual concern for the county and Lanark County OPP due to increased traffic resulting from the Cavanagh Road extension and the number of collisions that have occurred. The OPP reviewed the collision history and found 18 reportable collisions between 2015 and 2020, which Derouin said is significant for that time period. The county will also consult with the City of Ottawa to explore options to realign the Trans-Canada Trail crossing. The all-way stop is expected to support a safer crossing for the trail.

Article by Brian Turner