Thunder Bay plans more traffic circles

The city of Thunder Bay says it has plans for more traffic circles in the coming years.

Council was asked on Monday night about installing more of the traffic-calming devices.

Thunder Bay has received advice from communities in southern Ontario, such as Ajax, that have experience with traffic circles, said Darrell Matson, the city's manager of infrastructure and operations.

There were "lots and lots of growing pains as they were introduced" in other municipalities, Matson said. "Their advice was make sure you introduce them slowly, so I think you'll hear more about traffic circles as the transportation master plan unfolds."

Traffic circles need to be strategically placed to ensure they are the best solution for an intersection, he said.

"Our first attempt at a traffic circle is definitely Prince Arthur's landing," Matson said, adding that it's producing "some favourable results for drivers."

Kenora is home to the only other traffic circle in northwestern Ontario. It's at the end of Main Street, near the harbourfront.