FAQs
- Speeding was a known issue on this street. Data collected by the city between 2018 and 2021 indicated that most cars speed on this street – some traveling at speeds nearly double the posted speed limit.
- Collisions have been observed in the project area according to reported traffic incidents
- Lack of pedestrian infrastructure meant significant challenges for pedestrians trying to cross The Credit Woodlands
- Bert Fleming Park was inaccessible to the community, with no clear access point or entry
- Issues have long been reported by local residents related to confusion among motorists using the traffic circle.
- To validate data regarding street safety against community impressions
- To hear from residents about their main concerns when it comes to safely moving through their community
- To receive feedback on proposals for a reconfigured roadway in the project zone
What is Sharing Lanes?
Sharing Lanes is the name the City has given to its tactical urbanism portfolio of projects. Tactical urbanism is an approach to city building that uses affordable, temporary measures to demonstrate different uses of the roadway and public space. Through Sharing Lanes, the City identifies spaces that vulnerable road users, like pedestrians and cyclists, may find uncomfortable or difficult to navigate - where the addition of traffic calming measures can have a positive effect.
Why was this project installed on The Credit Woodlands?
The Credit Woodlands was selected as a project site for a number of reasons, including:
Through the project design, this project seeks to address these challenges; slowing down traffic to make the road safer for all users, while providing access to – and extending the footprint of – a community green space.
How was the community consulted about this project?
The City began consultation with the local community about this project in March 2023, through an online survey and in person meetings with staff and families from two local schools. This was followed by an in person meeting that welcomed all members of the community on April 26, 2023. Notices about both the online and in person engagement opportunity were sent to all homes between the Credit River and Erindale Station Road, from Dundas Street West to Burnhamthorpe Road West. Additionally, two large message board signs were placed on either side of Bert Fleming Park to advise the community about the meeting.
The objective of the community engagement was threefold;
Feedback collected through these engagements directly informed the design of the project. For a full summary of the Sharing Lanes Community Engagement, please see the What We Heard report.
Other cities are installing roundabouts – why was this well established roundabout removed?
A modern roundabout is an effective means of providing a safe pedestrian environment, while supporting vehicle movement. Its design is specific and used as a means of designating right of way at an intersection while also controlling speed. The Credit Woodlands; around Bert Fleming Park, was not designed as a proper roundabout. Its previous operation created safety challenges – particularly with the adjacent and nearby school, retail and townhouse properties.
In addition to the speed issue, the original road design did not include a crosswalk or other means for pedestrians to cross the road at a location where vehicles did not have the right-of-way.
The reconfiguration of this road serves to slow down traffic and provide protected crossing opportunities for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
Why not use speed bumps to slow down traffic? Why did you choose to paint the street instead?
Speed humps are an effective traffic calming measure specifically targeted at reducing operating speeds. However, the placement of these measures is more suitable on straight road segments, as opposed to within traffic circles or ring roads. Further, they would not have addressed all of the challenges associated with the one-way road network on The Credit Woodlands - specifically the lack of pedestrian crossings on this stretch of the street, and the inaccessibility to Bert Fleming Park.
While new for the City of Mississauga, implementing tactical urbanism to support changes to public spaces is a well established practise worldwide. Furthermore, there is good data to support the use of vibrant placemaking – specifically asphalt art – to slow down traffic and make streets safer for vulnerable road users. For more information, please see this report from Bloomberg Philanthropies, demonstrating significant safety benefits of asphalt art.
This artwork was developed in consultation with the community; throughout the engagement process, we asked what the community would like to see reflected in the asphalt art. Local nature – the flora and fauna of the area – was a consistent theme in community responses.
How long will The Credit Woodlands look like this?
This pilot project will remain in place for a minimum of two years, allowing time for the City to monitor and collect data about its impact on road safety and traffic operations. Throughout this pilot period, the City will continue to engage with the community to collect feedback.
This data and feedback will inform a long term decision about the future configuration of this street.
What will happen after the temporary installation?
The City will plan for future road work in conjunction with the next road resurfacing cycle. Decisions on the future design will be informed by community feedback and the impact that the new road configuration has had on overall road safety and traffic operations
The new traffic lanes are too narrow, and the corners are too sharp. Will cars be able to navigate the new road layout?
No changes have been made to the width of the roadway. The previous configuration featured lanes that were much wider than necessary to accommodate one-way residential traffic. The driving lanes are narrower in the new road configuration and are wide enough to support two way traffic – including MiWay buses, garbage/recycling trucks and emergency vehicles. The corners at the newly created intersections can support the turning movements required by the City’s largest emergency vehicles.
The former road configuration, with its wider lanes and no requirement for stopping, prioritized quick and easy vehicle movements – with insufficient regard for the needs of pedestrians to cross the street. The new road configuration requires more caution on the part of drivers and is easily navigable by all vehicles on city streets.
Where can I give my feedback about this project?
There will be a survey launched in Spring 2024, and a future community meeting will be planned for the same timeframe. In the meantime, we invite you to use the ideas board , where you can leave ideas and comments about the project.
I would like to attend the next community meeting.
Please sign up for project updates to be informed when the next community meeting will take place.
In addition to email notices, residents will be advised of this meeting through roadside message board signs and community mail outs.