Jake Romphf
City Hall is installing speed humps in Canatara Park while it ponders other options to stop speeding and drag racing following a backlash from nearby residents.
Permanent speed humps — raised sections of road with a more gradual rise than abrupt speed bumps — are being added strategically as the southern loop of Lake Chipican Drive is resurfaced.
For the section not being repaved, city staff will review whether asphalt or rubber speed cushions are more cost effective.
Speed humps will have minimal impact on drivers following the posted limit but cause discomfort for those driving at high speed, city staff says.
Police are continuing to monitor the park, and other possible solutions include surveillance cameras on roads and parking lots, new signage, and closing Canatara to vehicles at night.
Neighbours recently presented a 250-name petition opposing “road bullies” in and around the park. Others have complained about speeding, loudly revved engines at night, and drivers pulling “doughnuts” in the unpaved west parking lot.
Council approved the road humps recently, saying Canatara’s focus should be on cyclists and pedestrians.
Also approved were temporary speed cushions for Tashmoo Avenue, between Churchill Road and LaSalle Line.
Tashmoo is a long straight road and a “cut-through route” for speeders.
The temporary measure will allow staff to assess their impact and can be removed for winter snow plowing.
If they work, more permanent speed humps could be installed.