Ask the Councillor

Resident E. C. asks: I’m wondering when my street – Courtland Drive – is going to get the speed bumps. They seem long overdue.

Response: Rubber speed humps were going to be placed temporarily on Courtland Drive, Deyncourt Drive and George Street until concrete speed humps could be installed. Staff was hoping to have a contractor hired in June and speed humps installed over the summer. However, the tendering process at that time came back with bids 400% over budget. Staff retendered the project and recently hired a contractor to install concrete speed humps.

However, staff recently received comments from the City’s Roads and Parks Maintenance Department that they will no longer support any rubber traffic calming measures during the winter months.

Therefore, staff is now in the process of determining if the Burlington Fire Department will support the installation of concrete speed humps on these three streets. If they do, then the speed humps will be installed permanently in October or sooner. As soon as staff hear back from the Fire Department an update letter will be sent to all residents in this area.

In the meantime I will ask Halton Regional Police to consider enforcement of the speeding happening on George Street, Deyncourt Drive and Courtland Drive.

Resident H.K. asks: I have been watching/listening to the new traffic rules that are coming into effect and am particularly concerned about the new pedestrian crossing rule as it may pertain to intersections. If cars have to wait until pedestrians totally clear intersections it may be impossible to make left-hand turns at some of the busier intersections in the city. Is the traffic department looking at things like this?

Response: Our understanding of the amendments to the Highway Traffic Act as it relates to pedestrians is that drivers are now required to remain stopped at a pedestrian crossover (which Burlington has none) or school crossing until the person crossing the street and the school crossing guard are off the roadway. The current Act allows drivers to proceed once the person crossing and the school crossing guard are no longer on the driver’s half of the roadway.

In summary, these amendments will apply to school crossing locations only when the crossing guard is on duty. While this may slightly increase delays at those locations during schools times, the safety benefit derived outweighs the inconvenience.

Cycling Questions:

Q.Does a bicycle rider require a bell?
A. Yes, covered in Highway Traffic Act Section 75 (5)

Q. Are bicycle riders required to indicate their turns and are they required to stop at stop signs and traffic signals?
A. Yes, covered in HTA Section 142

Q. Does a bicycle rider have to identify themselves if they are stopped by a police officer?
A. Yes, regardless of age, under Highway Traffic Act Section 218 cyclists must identify themselves to the police.

Resident R.G. asks: In my neighbourhood they were cleaning the streets and making a lot of noise and dust!! Why would they do this on a beautiful Sunday afternoon?

Response: The street clean-up program is Council approved to run continuously 24/7 for the 14 day duration, to try and cut down the amount of times it takes to get through the city. We do our best not to inconvenience residents. The good weather this year has people outside more and leaving their windows open at night. In the past we haven’t had any noise calls because the weather has been cold and people have the windows closed.