Summary#

On 2026-10-05, the Executive Committee carried Councillor Johnston’s Notice of Motion - Underpass Awareness and forwarded it to the 2026-10-27 Regular Meeting of Council. The committee did not approve a strategy or direct City staff to develop one; Council is to consider that request.

• If Council approves the notice, it would direct City staff to develop a strategy to reduce motorists stopping beneath bridges, overpasses and similar structures during hailstorms and other severe weather.
• The requested strategy would assess safety risks and consider public education, City communication channels, traffic rules and bylaws, enforcement, low-cost measures, and coordination with the Province, emergency services, regional transportation partners and insurance stakeholders.
• The request says to identify measures that are low-cost and workable with existing infrastructure and resources. It does not itself change traffic rules or create a fine.

What it means for you#

• Motorists and the public: This committee decision does not change what motorists are required to do. Any strategy, public messaging or rule changes would depend on Council’s decision and, where relevant, later action.
• City staff: They have not been directed to develop the strategy yet. That would happen only if Council approves the request.

Money#

No cost estimate is provided in the available material.

• The proposed strategy asks staff to identify low-cost measures that could use existing infrastructure and resources; it does not approve funding or state what the work would cost.

What is unclear#

• Council’s decision on the request is not included.
• If Council approves it, the notice does not set a deadline for the strategy or say what public engagement or reporting would be required.
• It does not specify which traffic rules, bylaws, enforcement approaches or legislative changes staff should recommend.
• The notice does not give a cost estimate or say whether additional staff or funding would be needed.

Case for#

• The notice says stopped vehicles under bridges and overpasses can obstruct traffic, prompt sudden braking or lane changes, and increase collision risks. It also says obstructions may impede emergency services, towing, transit and City crews.
• The requested strategy would examine education, timely public messages and possible rule or enforcement changes, rather than requiring one specific solution.
• It asks staff to look for low-cost measures using existing infrastructure and resources.

Case against#

• Councillor Chabot voted against forwarding the notice, but the supplied minutes do not state the reason.
• The notice leaves the strategy’s timing, cost and specific actions open. If Council approves it, the result would depend on later staff recommendations and Council decisions.