The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) still isn't committed to reducing the speed along Hwy 21 near Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School (KTTPS), but the province will take another look following formal requests from local community leaders and residents.
In a statement sent to CKNXNewsToday.ca, Dakota Brasier, Director of Media Relations for Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, expressed sympathy regarding an incident near the school site and outlined the province's progress in the area.
“We were saddened to hear about the incident in front of Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School. Our thoughts are with the affected families and the entire community,” Brasier said.
The MTO confirmed that an operational performance review for the area has been completed, with community safety zone signs installed in July.
“We also continue to make progress on safety improvements at this location, including design work on a left turn lane, the installation of oversized signs, and looking at speed reductions during school hours,” Brasier added.
However, the province provided no timeline for any improvements in the area.
The provincial update comes as the Municipality of Kincardine formally urges Ontario officials to fast-track improvements along the busy corridor. The current speed limit near the school is 80 km/h.
According to a media release issued Thursday by the municipality, Council recently passed a motion directing staff to request that the province reconsider previous decisions and expedite work on the roadway.
While a third-party traffic study previously supported the need for a northbound left-turn lane at KTTPS, the MTO had originally indicated construction would only be considered during its regular 10- to 15-year highway rehabilitation cycle.
Municipal leaders are now prioritizing two immediate actions: an immediate reduction in the posted speed limit on Hwy 21 between Bruce Avenue and the North Line to enhance safety for motorists and families, and constructing the northbound left-turn lane at KTTPS as a stand-alone safety project rather than waiting for long-term rehabilitation planning.
“Families in our community travel this stretch of Highway 21 every day, including parents bringing their children to and from school,” said Kincardine Mayor Kenneth Craig. “Their safety must be a priority. We are asking the Province to recognize the importance of these improvements and take action now, rather than waiting years for the next scheduled highway rehabilitation project.”
Council's motion has been shared with Premier Doug Ford, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, regional MTO directors, and local OPP leadership as the municipality continues to advocate for timely physical design changes.
