January 9, 2024

Potential speed hump on Quaker Road flattened by tie vote

In the summer of 2023, residents in the area of Quaker Road, between St. Lawerence Drive and Towpath Road, petitioned Council for speed humps to alleviate concerns about speeding vehicles in the area. Council referred the matter to staff for review and recommendation on several occasions, with the last being on Nov. 21, 2023.

To address concerns regarding vehicular speeds on Quaker Road, a three-day speed study was conducted in December 2023. In such studies, the 85th percentile of speeds is monitored, or, the speed at which 85 per cent of the total traffic volume on a road is travelling at or below. In considering the need for traffic calming, the 85th percentile speed must exceed the posted speed limit by a minimum of 10 km/h.

Analysis of the speed data collected revealed that the 85th percentile speed in EB/WB direction was 55/56 km/h respectively. Whereas the average speed of the vehicles recorded in EB/WB direction was 46/47 km/h. Based on the results of speed data, staff did not recommend the installation of speed humps on Quaker Road.

Council voted on both options, with each resulting in a 6-6 vote, meaning the motions were lost.

City lands declared surplus for affordable housing

Council approved a staff recommendation to declare land surplus for affordable housing 0.39 hectares (0.96 acres) of land, east of Denistoun Street, south of Hooker Street and currently forming part of Hooker Street Park.

The lands were identified as suitable for affordable housing in the City’s Affordable Housing Site Evaluations, which was completed as part of the creation of the Affordable Rental Housing CIP. Staff reviewed the suitability of these lands for affordable housing, including proximity to the following:

Existing high-density development to the south;
Shopping amenities (Pupos Food Market, St. Charles Plaza);
Schools (Fitch Street School, Plymouth School); and
Proximity to parks and open space (Hooker Street Park, Rotary Park, Welland Recreation).

Council approved the recommendations that the land be declared surplus and the sale or lease of the lands be reserved for an affordable housing project subject to Council approval.