Kitchener’s streets are slower, safer as Vision Zero work continues

Kitchener, Ontario – The City of Kitchener’s ongoing work to achieve Vision Zero has resulted in a 15 per cent reduction in speeds on residential roads, among other safety improvements, as work continues in implementing its five-year strategy. In a report to committee on Monday, staff outlined the work that has been completed, the work underway and the work yet to come as the City of Kitchener continues its efforts to eliminate serious injuries and deaths due to traffic collisions.

In the report to the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee, traffic data showed a reduction in average speeds of 8.2 km/h or 15 per cent. This data was collected before and after the implementation of “hot spot” improvements in 2023, alongside a reduction in speed limits to 40 km/h.

“Traffic and road safety is a priority for Kitchener Council who share in the goal that the only acceptable number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads is zero,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “From 2022 through to 2024, there were no fatalities due to traffic collisions on roads that are within the City of Kitchener’s scope of responsibilities, and the continued implementation of our Vision Zero strategy is exactly how we’ll maintain and even further improve on this objective.”

Highlights of the report include the specific measures put in place to calm the 18 identified hot spots, six of which are within school zones. They include 30 raised measures such as speed humps and speed cushions, a pedestrian crossover, an all-way stop, a pedestrian refuge island, intersection pavement markings and approximately 500 metres of additional sidewalks or multi-use trails.

Upcoming work includes the conversion of 16 roads into “complete streets” through reconstruction projects in 2025 and a partnership with the University of Waterloo to use lidar technology to detect near misses, which would identify places where intersection improvements are necessary.

“One of the most common concerns I hear about is speeding on residential roads,” said Community & Infrastructure Services Committee Chair and Ward 8 Councillor Margaret Johnston. “I’m happy to hear that the many improvements and policy changes put in place as part of our Vision Zero strategy are having a significant impact, and I’m encouraged to hear from staff that there is much more work to come.”

The City of Kitchener’s Vision Zero strategy is comprised of five main components:

More information about the strategy, full staff reports and a Vision Zero dashboard can be found on the City of Kitchener’s Vision Zero page.

For more information:  

Philip Price
Communications and Marketing Associate

City of Kitchener  
philip.price@kitchener.ca