Huntsville to ask the District to conduct a Speed Limit Analysis on Brunel Road

They hope to lower the speed limit to 60

Huntsville Council agreed to request the District of Muskoka to complete an analysis in hopes of changing the speed limit on Brunel Road (District Road #2), in the May 26, 2025, meeting.

According to the agenda, Deputy Mayor, Dan Armour, requested that Council submit the request to the District to conduct a Speed Limit Analysis with the goal to reduce the speed limit from the current 80 kilometers per hour to 60 from Markle’s Road (1041 Brunel Road) to Britannia Road (1440 Brunel Road).

Armour said that Council has been receiving complaints from constituents about drivers speeding on the road. He suggested that the District do an analysis “to see if it does warrant a reduction in speed.”

Councillor, Bob Stone, said, “We know it doesn’t change the behaviors on the road.” He suggested they need “something more encompassing for all our District roads that can inform us better.”

Council members also discussed the issue with rural roads having less reinforcements for speeding and the various transitions on Brunel Road.

Councillor, Monty Clouthier, expressed concerns about the various speed limits on the road, ranging from 80 kilometers per hour to 60, 40, and 50. He said, “There’s absolutely no need to have 80 between there,” especially given that it’s residential and has dog kennels, making for a high traffic area with people coming on and off the road.

He added that lower speed limits will result in “a higher price they’ll pay” for speeding.

Councillor, Dione Schumacker, indicated that a Roads Needs Assessment was completed that included looking at roads and possible speed limits, which they can refer too once it’s completed.

She added that the Town can also consider calming strategies. She said they have a combination of options they can consider.

Councillor, Jason FitzGerald, reiterated that there isn’t enough enforcement on rural roads and “people will continue and when they do get caught the fines are minimal.”

He added, “At what point do we say, ‘enough is enough.’”

He also shared a close call about a person almost getting hit while on someone’s driveway because of a vehicle going by at high speed.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, suggested that Council follow up about how to proceed with the larger issues discussed.

In the meantime, staff advised that they will be using 4 new traffic counters this summer, in addition to the Town requesting the District conduct the speed analysis.