Stiffer fines proposed for speeding on parts of Northern Ave. and Pine St.

Ward 3 Couns. Angela Caputo and Ron Zagordo will try to convince their fellow councillors on Tuesday to support the possibility of higher fines for traffic offences near Sault College.

They want the city to look into designating Northern Avenue from Sackville Road to Pine Street, and Pine Street from Northern Avenue to McNabb Street as community safety zones.

The designation wouldn't change the rules of the road in those neighbourhoods, but they would hike fines for traffic offences there.

Here's the wording they'll be presenting at Tuesday's city council meeting.

The meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 5 p.m.

Community Safety Zones

Mover: Coun. A. Caputo
Seconder: Coun. R. Zagordo

Whereas community safety zones are defined as segments of roadways where public safety is of special concern and may include roadways near parks/playgrounds, daycare centres, recreation areas, hospitals, senior centres/residences and areas with a large concentration of pedestrian activity; and

Whereas Sault College enrolment has increased significantly in the last 10 years, increasing population and foot traffic in the area; and

Whereas a number of elementary schools have amalgamated, effectively creating super schools and/or schools with higher enrolment in the area; and

Whereas speeding has been identified as a major issue around the city. This is documented to be well over the posted 40 km/hr in many school zones including St. Paul School (posting 59.5 km/h as 85th percentile speed) and Boreal French Immersion (posting 64.94 km/h as 85th percentile speed); and

Whereas this area has connections to the Hub Trail, new development, Community Safety Zones, buildings housing seniors and citizens with disabilities, as well as many families;

Now therefore be it resolved that staff report back to council regarding designating Northern Avenue from Sackville Road to Pine Street a Community Safety Zone; and regarding designating Pine Street from Northern Avenue to McNabb Street a Community Safety Zone.