School zone speeds increasing over the next 12 months

Drivers in Applewood take note: Mississauga is lowering speed limits in school zones and adding new Community Safety Zones, with a goal of improving road safety. Under the new rules, speed limits in 199 school zones, including a dozen in Applewood, will remain 30 km/h from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Outside of those hours, speeds will increase to 40 km/h. Schools on major roads will be reviewed individually to determine appropriate speed limits.

The changes are taking place over the next ~12 months, rolling out on a per-zone basis.

In Applewood, these changes will directly impact Brian W. Fleming Public School, Burnhamthorpe Public School, Dixie Public School, Forest Glen Public School, Glenforest Secondary School, Glenhaven Sr. Public School, Silverthorn Public School, St. Alfred Separate School, St. Sofia Separate School, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School, St. Thomas More Separate School, and Tomken Road Middle School. If you drive near any of these locations, you will be able to speed up after 6pm on weekdays, and throughout the weekend.

At the same time, the city is also expanding Community Safety Zones, which allow for higher fines for traffic violations. These zones are designed to discourage dangerous driving near schools and high-risk areas. In addition, Mississauga is rolling out more traffic calming measures, pedestrian crossovers, and automated speed enforcement to reinforce the new speed limits.

For those of us in Applewood, these changes are mixed. As someone who regularly walks near local schools, I have seen firsthand how often drivers speed through these areas, ignore stop signs, and fail to yield to pedestrians. Crossing certain streets, especially near Glenhaven and Silverthorn, can feel like a game of chance. Despite existing speed limits, many drivers fail to slow down, because enforcement is lax. I had long hoped that Mississauga would add significant enforcement, and I worry that the increase speed limits will only encourage drivers to speed, including during the hours of 6 a.m to 6 p.m.

That said, I remain hopeful that the new measures will change driver behaviour, making school zones safer for students, families, and all pedestrians. But enforcement will be key. Without consistent monitoring and real consequences, reckless drivers will continue to push the limits. Applewood residents should stay informed and report dangerous driving when they see it.

For full details on Mississauga’s new speed limits and safety measures, visit the city’s official announcement here.