The Town of Sidney is moving forward with lowering speed limits on several neighbourhood streets after residents voiced concerns about safety in specific areas.
On Monday, Sidney council approved targeted reductions to 30 km/h on a number of local roads, particularly near Sidney Elementary School and along neighbourhood corridors, following a public engagement process that began in 2025.
Town officials say the approach focuses on problem areas rather than implementing a blanket reduction across all local streets.
During a public survey conducted by the Town, most respondents opposed lowering speed limits town-wide from the current 50 km/h on local roads. However, many residents pointed to particular streets where slower speeds would improve safety.
“Council is now implementing targeted speed limit reductions,” the Town said in a release, noting the changes build on existing reduced-speed zones such as downtown Sidney.
Several residential streets surrounding Sidney Elementary School will now have formalized 30 km/h limits, some of which were already posted but not officially included in the Town’s bylaw.
The affected streets include Brethour Avenue, Seventh Street and Henry Avenue in the vicinity of the school.
In a report, Town staff said expanding the lower speed zone will help improve safety for children and families while creating a more consistent driving environment around the school.
According to the report prepared for council, the change also aligns with nearby areas that already have reduced speeds and supports pedestrian-friendly design around the school and adjacent neighbourhood streets.
Council also approved 30 km/h limits on several other residential roads, including:
- Chicory Place
- Simkin Place
- Buddleia Place
- Mills Road East
- Judson Place
- Cottoneaster Place
Northbrook Drive between Westbrook and Eastbrook Drive will also be formally designated as a 30 km/h road, as will Teale Place and Natasha Place.
Meanwhile, roads classified as lanes will see 20 km/h speed limits introduced.
Town staff say these lower limits better reflect how those narrow access routes are used, often shared by vehicles and pedestrians.
The Town of Sidney is also planning a traffic and cycling study this spring to better understand how the Bowerbank Bikeway corridor is being used and how traffic patterns have shifted in the surrounding area.
Depending on the findings, council may consider reducing speeds on that corridor to 30 km/h and lowering the limit on Resthaven Drive between Mills Road and McDonald Park Road to 40 km/h.
The Town will also consult with the Victoria Airport Authority about potentially increasing the speed limit on Stirling Way to 50 km/h while adding caution signage near a curve.
Town staff say the speed reductions are part of a broader effort to improve road safety in areas with pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
