Changes follow the first area-wide review under the District’s updated Speed Limit Policy
Muskoka, ON — District Council has approved speed limit changes on three sections of District roads in Bracebridge following an area-wide review of road conditions, traffic speeds, surrounding land uses and safety.
The changes were approved on August 20, 2026, and will take effect once new speed limit signs are installed.
The following speed limit changes were approved:
- Muskoka Road 20 (Doe Lake Road): The speed limit will increase from 60 km/h to 70 km/h between Uffington Road and Housey’s Rapids Road.
- Muskoka Road 37 (Manitoba Street): The speed limit will decrease from 50 km/h to 40 km/h between Monck Road and Ecclestone Drive.
- Muskoka Road 42 (Taylor Road): The speed limit will decrease from 50 km/h to 30 km/h between Front Street and Manitoba Street.
All other speed limits reviewed on District roads in Bracebridge remain unchanged.
“Speed limits should reflect the road, its surroundings and how people use it,” said James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works. “A consistent, evidence-based approach helps drivers, pedestrians and cyclists know what to expect and supports safer travel across Muskoka.”
A Consistent Approach to Reviewing Speed Limits
The District manages about 730 kilometres of roads across Muskoka. As communities and traffic patterns change, speed limits need to be reviewed to make sure they remain appropriate.
The District updated its Speed Limit Policy in 2025 to introduce a regular review process. All District roads are reviewed over a six-year period, one area municipality at a time.
In the past, speed limits were often reviewed after a complaint, a municipal request, or a collision. The updated policy ensures that every District road is reviewed regularly, with a consistent approach.
During each review, staff consider:
- road design and surrounding conditions;
- traffic speeds and volumes;
- nearby homes, businesses and other land uses;
- collision and safety history; and
- pedestrian and cycling activity.
Staff use recognized Canadian transportation engineering guidance, along with local road conditions and safety data, to determine whether a speed limit should increase, decrease or remain the same.
What Drivers Can Expect
New speed limit signs will be installed along the three affected sections. The new limits will take effect once the signs are posted. Drivers should watch for changing speed limits and follow the posted signs.
The District will continue reviewing speed limits across Muskoka. District roads in the Township of Georgian Bay are currently under review, with recommendations expected to come to Committee in 2027.
Learn more about how speed limits are reviewed on the District of Muskoka Roads and Bridges webpage.
