Press Releases
| Press Release | |
| Speed Limit Reduction Pilot Project | November 18, 2025 |
Chilliwack, BC: The City of Chilliwack has launched a speed limit reduction pilot project this week as part of its “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating fatalities and injuries on Chilliwack roads. This pilot project is a simple and cost-effective step to lower the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h in two test areas: Garrison Crossing and Fairfield Island. Across BC, many cities have introduced reduced speeds within their communities, leading to improved safety by lowering the risk and severity of collisions. These communities have also noted an increase in the perception of safety, resulting in more residents taking part in active transportation activities such as cycling and walking. Chilliwack’s one-year pilot project will collect and measure speed data, gather resident feedback, and gauge program support. “The City has recently renewed its commitment to road safety citywide through several avenues, such as a new traffic calming policy; adopting new road design standards to better protect pedestrians and slow down drivers; and our commitment to Vision Zero, which is a goal of zero injuries and fatalities on the City’s roads,” said Mayor Ken Popove. “I am excited to see how this new Speed Limit Reduction Pilot will help us to come closer to achieving our shared road safety goals”. The default regulatory speed limit in BC is 50km/h unless otherwise posted, and was established in the 1930s when the provincial Motor Vehicle Act established a provincial speed limit. While that speed limit may be suitable for major roads, it is not always the right fit for quieter neighbourhood streets. The area of Garrison Crossing was chosen to represent an area with existing traffic calming measures in its road design, as well as sidewalks. The Fairfield Island area was chosen for its wider and straighter streets, many of which do not have sidewalks. By piloting speed reductions in two distinct areas, the City can better understand how drivers respond in different types of neighbourhood environments and street designs. Keep an eye out for Speed Watch this week. Volunteers with speed watch equipment will visit both Garrison Crossing and Fairfield Island to help remind drivers about the new lower speed limit in these areas. |
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New 40 km/h speed limit sign |