Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
MIDDLESEX COUNTY — County Council has taken the next step toward implementing Community Safety Zones on select county roads, following the presentation of the first implementation report under the County’s recently approved policy.
The Community Safety Zones Implementation report was presented to council at its December 9 meeting by Chris Traini, County Engineer and Deputy CAO. The report outlines the first round of locations assessed for designation under the policy, which was approved earlier this fall.
“This is the first, I’m sure, of many times we’ll see this type of report come before County Council for approval,” Traini told council, noting that three locations were evaluated during the initial review process.
Community Safety Zones are designated roadway segments established under the Highway Traffic Act, where fines for certain traffic offences are increased. The rules of the road remain unchanged, but the higher penalties are intended to promote safer driving in areas with vulnerable road users.
According to Traini, two of the evaluated locations met the eligibility and risk assessment criteria set out in the policy. These include a section of Catherine Street in Dorchester near Northdale Central Public School and St. David Catholic School, and a portion of Kerwood Road near the Kerwood Ball Park. Both locations were submitted to the County prior to the formal approval of the policy.
A third request, involving a section of Concession Drive in front of Glencoe District High School, was received after the policy was adopted. However, Traini explained that this location did not meet the minimum scoring threshold required for designation at this time.
“Each of these sections of road are scored on a number of criteria, as per the policy,” he said, referencing the risk factor assessment included in the report’s appendix.
Based on the findings, staff recommended proceeding with Community Safety Zone designations for the two qualifying locations.
Council voted to receive the report for information and approved the recommendation to introduce a by-law at its January 13, 2026 meeting to formally designate the two Community Safety Zones. The motion was moved by Councillor Smibert, seconded by Councillor McMillan, and carried unanimously.
