County gives green light to new speed limits near new Oro-Medonte school

Community safety zone sign. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge)

Simcoe County council has approved new speed limits and safety upgrades along Horseshoe Valley Road near the new elementary school in Oro-Medonte.

The change comes after the County said residents raised concerns about vehicles travelling too fast near the new Horseshoe Heights Elementary School, which opened earlier this year at Line 4 North and County Road 22.

A 40 km/h limit will now apply from 100 metres west of Line 4 to 500 metres east, while 50 km/h will cover stretches just west and east of that zone. A Community Safety Zone will run from 500 metres west of Line 4 to 700 metres east, allowing for higher fines for speeding.

Flashing beacons will be added to existing school signs, and additional “School Bus Stop Ahead” signs will alert drivers to nearby bus stops.

Staff initially recommended a 60 km/h limit with a smaller safety zone, but after council discussions and community input, the revised plan was approved.

The changes will be added to the County’s consolidated traffic bylaw before final adoption.