Huge Changes Set to Affect Drivers in Oakville

Published March 1, 2018 at 4:22 pm

Drivers and cyclists, there are 15 new reasons to pay attention when you’re on the road in Oakville in 2018.

Some changes could be kicking in this month.

Drivers and cyclists, there are 15 new reasons to pay attention when you’re on the road in Oakville in 2018.

Some changes could be kicking in this month.

Fifteen pedestrian crossovers are being installed across town.

The first four will be placed in March, weather permitting.

It’s part of the town’s pedestrian safety program, approved by council in October 2017. It recommends more than 170 pedestrian crossover locations to be implemented over the next 10 to 15 years.

“Council is committed to improving pedestrian options and safety for Oakville’s residents and visitors,” said Mayor Rob Burton.

“Oakville is becoming even more walkable and livable with the ongoing addition of new pedestrian crossovers.”

Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act was amended to design new pedestrian crossovers for municipal use.

As of Jan. 1, 2016, all vehicles – and cyclists – must stop and yield the entire width of the road to people at pedestrian crossovers.

Drivers and cyclists can proceed only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have made it to the other side of the road. Keep in mind, new rules don’t apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals unless there’s a school crossing guard.

The new law responds to recommendations related to pedestrian safety in the chief coroner’s report on pedestrian deaths released in 2012 and also to numerous requests from municipalities and safety organizations, according to the province.

A pedestrian crossover is a new type of crossing where, unlike crosswalks, motorists and cyclists are required to wait for pedestrians to cross the full width of the road before proceeding.

Also unlike crosswalks, which are located at traffic lights, stop signs, school crossings or other intersection, pedestrian crossovers can be found at any stretch of roadway, usually mid-block. They are marked by ladder-style stripes on the road and signage that says “Stop for Pedestrians”. They sometimes have overhead signage and lights.


Here’s where the first four pedestrian crossovers are being installed:

  • Pine Glen Rd. at Millstone Park.
  • North Ridge Trail at Crosstown Trail.

They’ll look like this:


The crossover at Nautical Blvd. at Nautical Park will resemble this:

The fourth installation at Central Park Dr. at Gatwick Dr. will look like this:


The town’s first pedestrian crossover was implemented in January 2017 at Navy and Church streets.

Locations and the priority of installation are determined using a list of criteria, according to the town, such as safety, public demand, and connectivity to schools, seniors’ facilities, transit stops, and parks and trails.

The remaining 11 crossovers will be introduced in late 2018 at:

Colonel William Pkwy. at Stocksbridge Ave.

Westoak Trails Blvd. at East Fourteen Mile Creek Trail

Pilgrims Way at Glen Abbey Trail

Pilgrims Way at Taplow Creek Trail

Munn’s Ave. at Munn’s Creek Trail

Lakeshore Rd. W. at Bronte Athletic Park Walk

Sixth Line at Elm Rd.

White Oaks Blvd. at Malborough Court

Stewart St. at Maurice Dr.

Sir David Dr. at Clearview Park Walk

Linbrook Road at Linbrook School


Rules for using and approaching crossovers, along with the town’s Pedestrian Safety report, can be viewed here.

Renderings courtesy of the Ministry of Transportation

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