Motorists will soon have to go a little slower on a two kilometre stretch of Bank Street through Ottawa’s South Keys neighbourhood.
Council approved a motion from Coun. Jessica Bradley to reduce the speed limit on Bank Street, from 60 km/h to 50 km/h, between 150 metres south of Kitchener Avenue and Hunt Club Road.
A report for council shows that speed data collected on Dec. 12, 2024 on Bank Street, south of Johnston Road, shows the average speed was 64 km/h.
“There have been numerous complaints from residents and formal concerns raised by two community associations regarding pedestrian and traffic safety in the area,” the report says.
“While traffic staff have reviewed the area under the current Speed Zoning Policy and deemed that no changes are necessary, the councillor and residents maintain their position that safety improvements are required, specifically reducing the speed from 60 km/h to 50 km/h on Bank Street from approximately 150 metres south of Kitchener Avenue to Hunt Club Road.”
Bank Street north of Kitchener Avenue has a 50 km/h speed limit.
“The reduction to 50 km/h zone on Bank Street from Kitchener Avenue, over the bridge, and to Hunt Club Road would create a consistent, safer corridor for all users in response to ongoing community concerns and demonstrated safety issues,” Bradley said.
The report says residents and community associations have called for the speed reduction on Bank Street.
Staff will now replace the existing 60 km/h speed limit signs on Bank Street between 150 metres south of Kitchener Avenue and Hunt Club Road with 50 km/h signs.
The cost of change the speed limit signs is $2,000.
