Traffic Signals

The majority of traffic signals in the City are coordinated with one another to keep traffic flowing on our major streets. Coordination of traffic signals means that they all run the same cycle length, and each signal assigns a ‘window’ for each direction of travel. This means that sometimes you may have to wait for your turn when arriving at a signal that's red, even if there isn’t any traffic right at that moment.

If you've arrived just as the ‘window’ for your green light has closed, you'll have to wait for the next cycle before your turn comes up. During peak periods such as the morning and evening rush hours, we try to keep this wait to a maximum of about a minute. Please don’t ‘rock’ your car back and forth over the sensors, as this can actually increase your wait time if you happen to drive off the sensor at the wrong time.

Cyclists & Traffic Signals

If you're a cyclist, most sensors are able to detect metal-wheeled bicycles. Simply stop in a position where both wheels are over top of the in-road wires (as shown below). 

Bicycles with carbon fibre wheels and/or spokes will not get detected. To solve this issue, some riders glue a small rare earth magnet to the bottom of their shoe and stop with the magnet on the in-road wire. If you know of a signal that's difficult to actuate, please let us know transportation@cnv.org.

By continually looking for ways to enhance the operation of our traffic signals along major corridors, the City aims to improve efficiency and reduce traffic congestion, especially during peak periods. 

Audible Signals

The City has installed these devices to help visually impaired persons cross our intersections safely and easily.

The pinging sound you may hear coming from the traffic signal is the pole locating technology. It helps to guide the visually impaired to the pedestrian pushbutton on the pole. It also indicates that audible signal facilities exist at the intersection. The pinging sound is designed to be heard 2-3 meters away from the pole.

Once the pole and button are located, pedestrians can press the button to activate the audible signal. A tone will sound, confirming that the audible portion of the pedestrian signal has been activated for the next cycle. When the walk indication is displayed, chirping or cuckooing sounds will occur. These sounds must not be confused with the pinging sounds used to locate the pole.

• Cuckooing sounds generally indicate that the Walk phase is being displayed in the north/south direction.
• Chirping sounds generally indicate that the Walk phase is being displayed in the east/west direction.

For the visual and hearing impaired, we've installed buttons that also include vibrator pads located above the pedestrian pushbutton. The pads vibrate at the same time the Walk phase is displayed. If you cannot hear the chirping or cuckooing sounds, then place your hand on the vibrator pad to sense the Walk phase.

The local visual and hearing impaired community has endorsed the APS technology. Future Accessible Pedestrian Signals will be installed using the pole locating and vibrator pad technology.

Countdown Pedestrian Signals (CPS)

Countdown Pedestrian Signals consist of a digital display that counts down the time remaining for pedestrians to cross the street. These signals are intended to provide comfort for slower pedestrians that they'll have enough time to finish their crossing.

The signals are not intended to permit pedestrians to run across the street with a few seconds left and steal the right-of-way from a left- or right-turning driver. Just because you think you can cross in the remaining time, doesn't give you the right. Please remember it's against the law to begin crossing the street when a flashing or solid orange hand is active.

Ground Mounted Systems (GM)

These are the most basic of all crosswalk systems, they rely on passive signs rather than active signs (e.g. signs with flashing beacons).

Enhanced Ground Mounted Systems (GM+)

These are the most basic of all crosswalk systems, they rely on passive signs rather than active signs (e.g. signs with flashing beacons).

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB)

These are pedestrian activated treatment systems which consist of two rapidly and alternately flashing rectangular amber beacons mounting above the side-mounted pedestrian signs. 

Overhead Flashing Beacon System (OF) or Special Crosswalks 

These are a pedestrian activated system which consists of internally illuminated overhead mounted signs with alternating flashing beacons and downlighting.

Pedestrian Traffic Signals

Full Traffic Signals (FS)

These systems provide designated crossing opportunities for pedestrians and assign the right-of-way between conflicting streams of traffic. They may be pedestrian signals or full traffic signals. 

Changing where drivers may turn right on a red light is one way to enhance road safety for all users. By introducing restrictions to certain intersections, the City is able to reduce collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, improve visibility, and create a safer environment for cyclists and individuals with mobility challenges. 

Intersections with New Right Turn on Red Restrictions Beginning April 2025

Based on collision data an road geometry, a total of five locations were selected for implementation of new restrictions:

• Southbound Westview Drive at Larson Road due to frequency of right on red collisions
• Southbound Bewicke Avenue at Marine Drive due to existing bike box
• Southbound Forbes Avenue at 3rd Street due to existing northbound dual left turn
• Westbound 3rd St at Forbes Avenue due to existing bike box
• Westbound 13th Street at Lonsdale Avenue due to existing bike box

We recognize that prohibiting right turns on red may result in traffic delays. We will be closely monitoring traffic flow and may adjust signal timing to prioritize safety of all users at the intersection of Westview Drive and Larson Road.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to prioritize safety and prevent injuries. 

Existing and Upcoming Locations

The following map shows the locations of all existing and upcoming locations with right turn on red restrictions. 

 

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