Roads
For assistance after regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), please call the on-call operator at 705-487-2171
Operations & Community Services is responsible for the maintenance of the municipal road system, storm sewers, storm water management ponds and sidewalks. In addition, the Division works in cooperation with the County of Simcoe's Environmental Services Department on waste management and recycling programs. The administration of a majority of the Corporation’s fleet of vehicles and departmental equipment is also the responsibility of this section. The different types of fleet equipment maintained by Operations & Community includes light/medium/heavy vehicles, tractors, excavators, construction and snow removal equipment.
Line 15 North Traffic Calming Initiative
Line 15 North from Bass Lake Sideroad to Highway 12 is a 1.4 km stretch of roadway under the jurisdiction of the Township of Oro-Medonte. This segment is a narrow local road providing access to residential roads, Bass Lake Provincial Park, and waterfront access on the north-west shore of Bass Lake. Over the past several years, this segment of road has experienced a significant increase in traffic volumes and travel speeds associated with growth in west Orillia, and is now being used as bypass from Hwy 12 to west Orillia.
To assist with reducing traffic volumes and overall traffic safety, a directional closure of the northbound lane of Line 15 North at Bass Lake Sideroad has been implemented on a trial basis for one (1) year; along with additional traffic calming measures including:
- line painting;
- placement of a dynamic radar sign;
- installation of chicanes;
- flexible delineators;
- improved signage; and
- additional police enforcement.
The traffic calming measures will restrict the intersection at Bass Lake Sideroad and Line 15 North to a Southbound exit only (with exceptions for service and emergency vehicles only).
Residents and visitors accessing Line 15 North, North of the intersection are able to travel northbound on Line 15 North to exit at Highway 12; however, access to the northbound travel lane at the intersection of Bass Lake Sideroad East will be prohibited. For example: John lives on Barr Avenue and is going to visit friends in Midland; John can leave Barr Avenue and turn right (North) on Line 15 North to access Highway 12. If John was at Costco in Orillia, he would have to access Line 15 North via Highway 12 to return to Barr Avenue as Northbound access on Line 15 North is prohibited at Bass Lake Sideroad East.
Graphic illustration of traffic calming measures.
Traffic calming measures will be adjusted throughout the trial period as required.
In addition, the Township has engaged Tatham Engineering to review additional appropriate interventions while the Township continues to work with the City of Orillia and Ontario Ministry of Transportation on possible longer-term considerations.
Prior to making a final decision regarding the directional closure, the Township undertook a public consultation process and sought input from public service providers, and the general public.
Additional Background Information Regarding Line 15 North Traffic Calming:
Road Network Plan - Road Needs Study
The Township is creating a Road Network Plan to assess current roads needs and to plan for future requirements. As part of this work, traffic counts, speed assessments and intersection reviews have been conducted at over 100 locations across the Township. Highlights of the plan include a thorough review of the following aspects:
Road Needs Study
Road System Inventory
Minimum Maintenance Standards Classification
Road Condition Appraisal & Needs Assessment
Determine sustainable funding levels to maintain road standards
Road System and Operations
Active Transportation
Emergency Detour Routes (EDR)
- Establish EDRs for highway system
Road Standards
Provide recommendations to update Transportation policies within the Township's Official Plan.
Review current Township road standards relating to road classification and cross-sections.
Confirm applicability of standards in context of road classification, traffic volumes and other appropriate measures.
Present recommended changes for consideration (local road vs. collector road, urban road vs. rural road, residential road vs. industrial road, etc.)
Determine service levels and conditions for assumption of private roads located within the Township.
The municipality's roads network is one of its most vital assets and is a crucial service for our residents and businesses. The Township is continuing to refine its plan to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure is addressed in a comprehensive and economically viable manner.
Additional and Important Information Regarding the Road Network Plan:
