Traffic signals are designed to coordinate the safe movement of all road users. The City manages hundreds of traffic and pedestrian signals to keep traffic flowing, provide safety for those crossing the road, and lessen the severity and frequency of collisions.
If you notice a traffic light or pedestrian signal is not working, please report it by calling 519-661-2641.
Want to know more about traffic signals?
Frequently asked questions: traffic signals
What do I do if the traffic signal is not working?
- If the lights are black (no display)/flashing red: treat it like a four-way stop.
What vehicles can change traffic signals?
The City equips fire vehicles with equipment that allows them to change the signal to green. Some railway crossings are equipped with this technology as a safety measure to clear the tracks when trains are in the area.
Why don't I get a left-turn signal?
Left-turn arrows are great if you're the one turning left; but they generally make the wait longer for everyone else at the intersection. Engineers have to balance the effect of this measure on the steady movement of all traffic.
Where are the new traffic signals planned?
Traffic Signals planned for 2021
- Pack Road at Colonel Talbot Road
- Wilton Grove Road at Commerce Road
The following are some of the other intersections that are being considered for 2022 and beyond:
- Gainsborough Road at Coronation Drive (west intersection)
- Huron Street at Vista (upgrade from Pedestrian Signal)
- Sunningdale Road East at South Wenige Drive (east intersection)
- Edgevalley Road at Highbury Avenue North
- North Routledge Park at Hyde Park Road
Frequently asked questions: pedestrian signals
Why can't I cross right away?
Pedestrians should wait their turn like motorists. By pressing the push button, you are sending a message to the signal that you want to cross. As a way not to disrupt traffic abruptly, the signal will change at a pre-set time. Pedestrian push buttons also tell the signal system when it is necessary to make the accessibility sounds so they do not unnecessarily disturb nearby residents at all hours.
Why do some buttons make a sound?
As a way to increase accessibility, newer push buttons make sounds to help visually- impaired residents locate and then cross a street. The City is proactively upgrading all traffic signals to be compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Why are there raised metal plates at some crosswalks?
New signalized intersections have tactile plates installed in the concrete to notify visually-impaired residents that they are entering the road. These plates are also installed every time the City rebuilds a signalized intersection, as per AODA requirements. They are also present at some non-signalized intersections.
Why does the "white walker" turn off before I finish crossing?
This is normal. The walking person is to let a pedestrian know that they should begin crossing and pedestrians have right-of-way during their whole crossing. The “flashing hand” is there to indicate that it’s too late to start crossing.
Starting to cross at the “white walker” is the best way for everyone to get to the other side of the road safely.
Even if a pedestrian always has the right-of-way, you should always be attentive to vehicles turning.
Where are pedestrian signals planned?
The City has scheduled the following pedestrian signals for construction in 2021:
Pedestrian Signals
- Hamilton Road at Inkerman Street
- Hamilton Road at Pine Lane Avenue
- Southdale Road East at Millbank Drive (west intersection)
- Commissioners Road West at the West Springbank Park entrance
- Springbank Drive at Quinella Drive
Pedestrian and Bicycle Signals
- Oxford Street East at William Street