Digital speed signs fast tracked for Nottawa
Nottawa will get its speed signs, before others approved through the budget process.
Clearview council has approved the immediate purchase and installation of two digital speed signs at the north and south entrances to the Village of Nottawa on County Road 124 to an amount not exceeding $11,000.
The signs were championed by Nottawa councillor Ed Christie who called for immediate action in addressing the community’s concerns about speeding.
Because the signs had been approved in November, pending budget approval, council needed to follow a special procedure to get the motion on the table. With enough support from council to reconsider the original motion, and after further discussion, the purchase was approved.
Later in the meeting, council approved six other digital speed signs for the entranceways to the communities of Creemore (on County Road 9 at Jardine Cres. and Collingwood St.), Stayner (on Highway 26) and New Lowell (on County Road 9 at Lamers and Oakdale St.), as part of the regular budget.
During the discussion there was some push back from council with regard to Christie’s sense of urgency.
Councillor Robert Walker made the point that all of the signs should be considered as a whole and as part of the budget process.
Councillor John Lamers agreed, saying there was an expectation that the signs could be purchased in bulk for a cost saving. Gerry LeMay, general manager of transportation and drainage, confirmed there would be a bulk order cost saving of $400 per unit.
Christie pleaded for support from fellow councillors to approve the purchase saying, “I think the people of Nottawa have waited long enough.”
Referring to data collected by the municipality’s portable speed signs, which has not been shared with The Echo, Christie said there is a tolerance of speed up to 15 km over the limit.
“This is a step toward zero tolerance,” said Christie. “It will be a step toward letting people know 15 clicks is too much. Let people know they have been listened to.”
As an aside, council discussed the merits of purchasing hard-wired permanent signs or the slightly cheaper solar powered portable signs which would be installed with a permanent mount, but if there was a decision made, it was not evident.
All of the speed signs qualify for funding through gas tax grants and do not affect taxation. An amount of $75,000 had been set aside for 14 signs, but only the six were approved, plus the two for Nottawa.
