This week I introduced a notice of motion at Public Works and Infrastructure Committee that would lower the speed limits from 50 km/h to 40 km/h on Abbott, Fernbank, and in the Westwood neighbourhood.
- Abbott: A standard 40km/h speed limit from Terry Fox to West Ridge. (Currently it varies from 40km/h to 50hkm/h depending on the neighbourhood and school zones.)
- Fernbank: 40km/h from Shea to West RIdge. (Currently it’s signed as 60km/h between Shea and Cope.)
- Cope: 40km/h all the way from Terry Fox to Fernbank, including the future section between Angel Heights/Goldhawk and Shea
- A 40km/h “Gateway Zone” for the Westwood neighbourhood. (Currently 50km/h by default.)
I’ve proposed the changes based on frequent feedback from Stittsville residents. Simply changing the speed signs won’t be enough on its own to change driver behaviour, but data from other areas shows that it does help lower speeds. It also reinforces that high speeds are not acceptable in a residential neighbourhood. We’re looking at adding additional traffic calming and safety infrastructure in the future as well.
If you have feedback or questions, please send me an email at glen.gower@ottawa.ca.
The committee will consider and vote on the motion at our next meeting, scheduled for June 25, 2026.
Text of my notice of motion
WHEREAS staff have completed a review of the Speed Zone Policy to develop a new framework that aligns with the Safe Systems Approach and road safety best practices, reflects Ottawa’s local context and roadway functions, integrates all existing Council‑approved speed‑related policies, and supports a cultural shift in road safety;
WHEREAS validation of staff’s preferred speed‑limit setting approach is underway, including assessment of corridors identified through Councillor consultations; and
WHEREAS the updated Speed Zone Policy is anticipated to be brought forward for approval in the next Term of Council; and
WHEREAS a continuous 40 km/h speed limit is desired along Abbott Street East from Terry Fox Drive to West Ridge Drive, and on Fernbank Road, from Shea Road to West Ridge Drive; and
WHEREAS Cope Drive functions as a major collector from Robert Grant Avenue to Angel Heights/Goldhawk Drive, and as a collector roadway between Shea Road to Fernbank Road, with speed limits of 50 km/h, and there is community interest in incorporating these two corridor sections into adjacent 40 km/h Gateway Zones;
WHEREAS the desired speed limit changes would align with staff’s preferred speed limit setting approach, and
WHEREAS staff do not have the required delegated authority to make speed limit changes outside of the Council-approved Speed Zone Policy, and other speed-related policies.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommend Council approve reducing the speed limit to 40 km/h on Abbott Street East from Robert Grant Avenue to Stittsville Main Street, and on Fernbank Road from Shea Road to Cope Drive, to provide continuous speed limits on these corridors;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the speed limit on Cope Drive, from Robert Grant Avenue to Angel Heights/Goldhawk Drive and from Shea Road to Fernbank Road, be reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the future section of Cope Drive, from Angel Heights/Goldhawk Drive to Shea Road, be posted at 40 km/h upon opening to traffic, to maintain a continuous speed limit along Cope Drive;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the corresponding signage changes be completed as soon as practicable.