Calgary votes to lower residential speed limits

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Residential speed limits will be reduced in Calgary, as an attempt to punt the issue to a plebiscite was defeated Monday afternoon.

The unposted limit on residential roads will drop to 40 kilometres per hour while busier collector roads will remain at 50.

Councillor Druh Farrell says they have received a lot of information showing how this will improve safety and how it is a very cost-effective strategy in other places like Edmonton and Toronto.

“We have a responsibility to make our city safer. This is a small step. Let’s make it,” said Farrell.

And the second bit of breaking news from Council. Residential speed limits will be lowered in Calgary. #yyc #yyccc https://t.co/EPJoQVdrPy

— Tom Ross (@Tommy_Slick) February 1, 2021

“I know you probably don’t want to hear it, but we’ve heard time and again that this will save money and it will save lives. Injuries and deaths on our city’s streets are expensive.”

There was a lot of concern over this going to a plebiscite, as councillor Ward Sutherland personally contacted people who had the wrong information.

“So, on a plebiscite, I’m very concerned that people (…) would vote with not the proper information.”

He adds it would have been a dereliction of duty to put it to a plebiscite, as there was a lot of misinformation being spread.

RELATED: City council to debate lowering residential speed limits, Calgarians may ultimately decide

“If you want to make it emotional and want to do the misinformation, of course, you’re going to make people upset. Please, give the right information. We are capable of making this decision.”

The change will take effect on May 31.

Originally, the city recommended making the change next year, but Mayor Naheed Nenshi says there’s no time to wait.

“Much to my surprise, actually, many numbers of council were debating delaying it, but the vast majority of council said, ‘you know what? Let’s get it over with.'”

However, there was some push back from some councillors.

I asked @nenshi about Coun. Chu calling lower speed limits a “gateway drug”. He said:

“It’s one in a long list of ridiculous and offensive things that councillor has said … When we have an opioid crisis in our community and people are dying everyday, watch your mouth.” #yyccc

— Jeromy Appel (@JeremyAppel1025) February 1, 2021

Councillor Sean Chu said this could be a “gateway drug” to even lower limits.

Nenshi disagreed with the councillor’s phrasing.

“That was ridiculous and offensive. It’s one in a long list of ridiculous and offensive things that that councillor has said,” said Nenshi.

“When we have an opioid crisis in our community (and) people are dying every day, watch your mouth.”

While the changes will cost $2 million to put up some new signage, the plan is also expected to save $8 million in reduced collision costs.