KTTC Blog

New Crossing Sign in Port Perry

02 Nov, 2010

Every day KTTC volunteer Leslie Burritt drives through Port Perry on her way to and from work. The town is located on the shores of Lake Scugog, and every spring hoards of turtles hoist themselves out of water to lay their eggs on nearby sandy banks. Leslie became concerned about the many turtles she came across killed by vehicles while trying to cross the road or lay eggs on the shoulders of the road.

This past summer she approached the Township of Scugog with a proposal to erect turtle crossing signs at three major roadways leading into town. The council forwarded her proposal to the appropriate authorities, stating their support to those responsible for the roads in question. The Ministry of Transportation governing provincial highways were to meet this past fall with advisors to discuss the possibility of crossing signs on the Hwy. 7A causeway but as yet, no decision has been passed along. However, Durham Region responded very quickly and within a short time made a commitment to install signs on Reach St. (a regional road). The signs were erected within the last month. The KTTC commends the Region of Durham for their commitment to raising driver awareness of sensitive turtle crossing areas!

For more information about installing crossing signs in your own area contact the Toronto Zoo's Adopt-a-Pond Programme.

Update: Leslie received a letter from the Ministry of Transportation, dated Dec 3, that the ministry is developing a policy associated with signing for smaller animals on provincial highway facilities. The working group is nearing completion of a draft policy for internal review within the next few months with approval anticipated by mid 2011.