If you’re in Rockwood later this summer, you might notice drivers moving a little slower core area than in previous years.
That’s because Guelph/Eramosa council approved a new pilot project, which will lower speeds in Rockwood’s urban areas to 40 km/hour across the board, at a meeting on Monday afternoon.
One of three options presented to council, the township’s director of public works, Harry Niemi, said the reduction was proposed because most residents’ speeding concerns are about MacLennan Street and the Bonarrow subdivision, which make up close to half of Rockwood’s residential area.
Making the switch is anticipated to cost just under $10,000, which will go toward new speed signage and staff labour.
“We recognize we’re dropping the speed, we recognize it’s not a solution that fixes it all, but any time I think you’re working on road safety, any little incremental help works,” said Mayor Chris White. “It will probably only reduce things by a couple of kilometres an hour, but that’s something.”
While not originally included in the pilot’s scope, the Hamilton Drive Subdivision will also see speed limits reduced to 40 km/hour, following a previous suggestion from Coun. Corey Woods, who questioned why not lower speed limits in all residential areas.
During the meeting, Woods maintained he’d like to see Conservation Road included in the pilot’s scope at some point.
“We’ve done a lot of work on Conservation Road and I don’t necessarily think we’re done yet,” said Woods.
Saying he’s looking forward to having a similar conversation about Everton, Coun. Mark Bouwmeester acknowledged changing the speed limits isn’t the be-all and end-all, but said the pilot will be conducted alongside other speed mitigating measures, like speed humps, LED speed radar signs and bollards.
“Other traffic calming measures all have a role to play, but posting a lower speed limit is part of that education,” said Bouwmeester. “It sends a clear message that when you enter a residential area, you’re expected to slow down.”
Supportive of 40 km/hour in school zones, Coun. Bruce Dickieson said he’s still not convinced lowering speed limits across the board is the right option, especially considering the township’s limited enforcement options.
“It’s not the money … I just hate putting up a sign that people are going to ignore,” said Dickieson.
By Isabel Buckmaster, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jun 09, 2026 at 12:23
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