A key concept discussed was “complete streets.” Rather than meaning a street that includes every possible feature, a complete street is designed to serve its primary users. For example, industrial roads such as Burlington Street are built to accommodate heavy truck traffic, while local residential streets should prioritise the safety and mobility of residents, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The presentation also referenced Hamilton’s Vision Zero strategy, adopted in 2019, which aims to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on roadways. This approach recognises that people make mistakes and emphasises designing streets that reduce the likelihood of severe consequences when errors occur. It also places greater responsibility on drivers to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
The study, conducted by Dillon Consulting, focused on local and collector streets in the Strathcona and Kirkendall neighbourhoods. Through extensive public engagement—generating roughly 600 comments—the study identified common concerns including speeding, cut-through traffic, and safety at crossings. The final report recommends 67 safety improvements, categorised as short-, medium-, and long-term actions, aimed at reducing traffic speeds and improving neighbourhood safety. Councillor Wilson has already brought one motion forward last fall for the installation of two mid-block pedestrian signals. In addition, some measures are included in the upcoming roadwork schedule. The councillor will bring forth a second motion at the next Public Works Committee to fund an additional 33 short-term and medium-term interventions, with Transportation Operations picking up the remaining short-term projects.
Read the proposed interventions in the Final Report
- 35 - Short-term (1-2 years)
- 30 - Medium-term (2-4 years)
- 17 - Long-term (5+ years)
