New traffic calming measures coming to Norwich

Luke Edwards, Post Contributor

Township of Norwich councillors have approved the purchase of a suite of devices aimed at making Norwich streets safer.

A staff report presented at the July 14 meeting offered recommendations on how to spend the $50,000 councillors previously approved for traffic calming efforts in 2026. The purchases include items that will provide staff with data, offer feedback to motorists and encourage more cautious speeds.

“I very much appreciate all of staff’s effort that went into this,” said Coun. Shawn Gear, who encouraged Norwich to be a leader in traffic safety, and said he believes residents are supportive of using taxpayer dollars “when those dollars are being spent to create safety in the community.”

Staff recommended the purchase of three additional traffic monitors, also known as armadillos, that count the number of cars that use a street or road. It’ll allow staff to monitor more areas, especially in Norwich’s built-up sections. Armadillos will be placed in Springford, on Son’s Street, Water Street and Wood Street East. Staff said it will allow them to collect data on the use of those streets as bypass routes.

The Township will also buy two speed feedback signs. They’ll be placed in the Hawtrey neighbourhood, with the existing signs getting moved to Pitcher Street and Carmen Street while Stover Street South construction takes place.

“(Hawtrey is) experiencing some of the worst speeding in the township,” said Director of Operations Ken Farkas.

Norwich will also buy two or three sets of delineators to be used on Middletown Line and in Burgessville.

Should there be money left over, the report directs staff to buy a set of temporary speed humps and install them where the in-town data they collect suggests.