New safety measures could be on the way for Kitchener roadways

From speed bumps to complete overhauls, CTV’s Alexandra Holyk takes a look at the recommendations to improve road safety in Kitchener.

The City of Kitchener is looking to implement another round of new safety measures to combat dangerous driving on city roadways.

In a report expected to be presented to a city committee Monday night, staff provided an update on Kitchener’s “Vision Zero” strategy aimed at eliminating serious and fatal collisions.

“We experience a little over 1,000 collisions a year — sometimes a little bit more, sometimes a little bit less,” said Barry Cronkite, transportation services director for the City of Kitchener. “But it’s really meant to make our roads safer.”

This year, staff identified 19 hot spots that could see new speed bumps or speed cushions, as well as additional traffic-calming signage.

“We target those areas to try to bring speeds down and increase driver safety so that we can prevent collisions before they occur,” said Cronkite.

Other areas, including stretches of Wilfred Avenue, Queens Boulevard, Westwood Drive, and King Street East, are in for a complete reconstruction. A part of Glasgow Street will also receive 200 metres of sidewalk infill.

The total cost for proposed improvements is estimated at around $200,000 and will be funded through the reallocation of the existing Formal Traffic Calming budget. Road reconstruction will be paid for through the city’s engineering capital account.

“We really make that funding go a long way,” Cronkite said. “It really is a good program, and it is something that supports the city really well.”

The report also revealed there were two fatalities on city-owned roads in 2025 — an increase from zero between 2022 and 2024.

“Anytime it occurs, it’s alarming,” said Cronkite. “And there’s always an immediate reaction in terms of what could be done to make sure that we can prevent these moving forward.”

Paul Singh, the city’s planning and strategic initiatives committee chair, said the annual report is crucial to ensure all road users stay safe. He also said the city values feedback from residents and that its strategy is always evolving.

“We can get better, we can do more, and that’s what we’re striving to do,” he said.

The recommendations are set to be presented at a committee meeting starting at 6 p.m. If staff recommendations are approved, they will need to be passed by council before they can be implemented.

Cronkite said the city plans to incorporate the projects and installations in this year’s construction season, hoping they will be active by the fall.