School Zone Traffic Calming Plans - 2026 Traffic Calming in School Zones - Online Public Information Centre

Oakville is moving ahead with traffic calming projects at three elementary school zones in 2026, using horizontal design changes—such as raised medians, lateral shifts, and curb extensions—on Kingsway Drive and Pilgrim’s Way. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026, and residents can provide feedback until May 12, 2026 through the town’s online form or by contacting the project manager.

Topics Discussed

TRAFFIC CALMING AT THREE SCHOOLS: The town presented planned safety measures for St. Luke Catholic Elementary School, James W. Hill Public School, and Pilgrimwood Public School. Staff framed the work within Vision Zero, described as a philosophy that “aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users by providing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.” At each location, the plan includes lane narrowing and lateral shifts, supported by speed display devices that show drivers their speed in real time.

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS: Staff said the projects will rely on horizontal measures rather than speed humps, noting that “on major collector and arterial roadways, only horizontal measures are considered.” The presentation described how specific elements are intended to slow vehicles and improve crossings, including curb extensions and corner redesigns: “A curb radius reduction involves reconstructing an intersection corner with a smaller turning radius. This requires drivers to slow down when making a right turn. This treatment not only reduces turning speeds but also shortens crossing distances for pedestrians, improving visibility and overall safety at intersections.” Designs also include concrete islands with flexible bollards and green surface treatments at school entrances intended to alert drivers to cyclists. The school-zone speed limit will remain 40 km/h.

SCHOOL-ZONE “GATEWAY” FEATURES: For the James W. Hill Public School area, staff described a sequence of features meant to cue drivers that they are entering a slower-speed environment: “As drivers travel eastbound towards James Will Public School, they encounter a speed display device that alerts them of their current speed and flexible bullards and a pedestrian zone sign for lane narrowing. Together, these features create a gateway effect that signals to drivers they are entering a school zone and encourages them to slow down before reaching the school.”

RESIDENT ACCESS PROTECTED: Staff said the layouts were designed to preserve driveway access, stating that “all traffic measures have been designed to ensure that homeowners can continue to enter and exit their driveways without restrictions.” The town also said the lateral shifts are intended to accommodate a range of vehicles, including school buses and transit buses.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION TIMELINE: Residents can submit comments until May 12, 2026 via the town’s online feedback form or by contacting the project manager. Staff said final designs will be posted on the town website before the construction tender, with construction planned to start in July 2026.

POLICY FRAMEWORK: Staff linked the projects to the town’s Transportation Master Plan objective “to develop a safe, efficient, and multimodal transportation system” and to support “walkable, cycling friendly, and transit supportive neighborhoods.”

Motions

No motions were documented in the provided meeting notes.

Attendees

No attendance information was provided in the meeting notes.