Signs and Signals

The District of Muskoka manages traffic lights and signals at various intersections throughout Muskoka.

Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

By integrating traffic data, road assessments, and the Ontario Traffic Manuals (OTM) guidelines, the District aims to balance safety and efficiency for all road users. Pedestrian crossovers (PXOs) are strategically installed where they will provide the greatest benefit, enhancing accessibility and safety for pedestrians while maintaining smooth traffic flow.

Analysis Process

The District is dedicated to ensuring the safe and efficient movement of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. To identify the most suitable locations for PXOs, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the OTM, specifically Book 15: Pedestrian Crossing Treatments.

Key steps in the improvement process

Traffic and pedestrian activity analysis

Traffic counts are conducted to measure the volume of vehicles and pedestrians at a location.
This data helps assess the demand for a crossing and determine whether a PXO is justified.

Road characteristics evaluation

Factors such as road width, speed limits, sightlines, and nearby amenities (e.g., schools, parks) are examined to determine the suitability of a PXO.

Application of the OTM Decision Support Tool

This tool evaluates several critical factors to determine the most appropriate PXO design:
- Vehicle Speed: Higher speeds may require enhanced features such as flashing lights or additional signage for safety.
- Vehicle and Pedestrian Volumes: Locations with higher activity may require more visible or advanced crossing treatments.
- Road Type and Features: Characteristics such as the number of lanes, presence of medians, and road classification (e.g., residential or arterial) influence the recommended crossing design.
The OTM tool provides a systematic approach to evaluating these factors, ensuring the safest and most effective crossing treatment. PXO levels range from simple treatments (e.g., pavement markings and signage) to advanced designs featuring overhead lights and audible signals.

Existing and Planned Pedestrian Crossings

The District of Muskoka is committed to making pedestrian crossings safe and accessible for everyone.
Accessible crossings are part of our commitment to building safe, accessible, and connected communities where everyone can travel confidently.
We're continuously upgrading pedestrian infrastructure throughout the District to ensure all residents and visitors can navigate our streets safely and independently.

Bracebridge

What's a Level 2 Type B Crossing? Watch this video to learn more about these crosswalks.

What's a Mid-block Crossing? Watch this video to learn more about these crosswalks.

Existing

Wellington St. at Monck School (Mid-block Crossing)
Muskoka Rd. 4 N and McCrank Dr./Quinn Forest Dr. (Mid-block Crossing)
Muskoka Rd. 37 and Mary St. (Mid-block Crossing)
Santas Village Rd. (Level 2 Type B Crossing)

Gravenhurst

What's a Level 2 Type B Crossing? Watch this video to learn more about these crosswalks.

What's a Mid-block Crossing? Watch this video to learn more about these crosswalks.

Existing

Bethune Dr. S at Veterans Way (Mid-block Crossing)

Muskoka Rd. N at Brown St. (Mid-block Crossing)

Bay St. at Boston Pizza (Mid-block Crossing)

Winewood Ave. E (Level 2 Type B Crossing)
Muskoka Beach Rd. at Thain St. W (Level 2 Type B Crossing)

Planned

Muskoka Rd. 18 and Sharpe St. (Level 2 Type B Crossing)

Huntsville

What's a Level 2 Type B Crossing? Watch this video to learn more about these crosswalks.

What's a Mid-block Crossing? Watch this video to learn more about these crosswalks.

Existing

Young St. (Mid-block Crossing)

Main St. (Level 2 Type B Crossing)

Spruce Glen Rd. (Level 2 Type B Crossing)

Muskoka Rd. 2 at Riverside School (Mid-block Crossing)

Planned

Muskoka Rd. 2 at Gouldie St. (Level 2 Type B Crossing - 2026)
Muskoka Rd. 2 at Cora St. (Level 2 Type B Crossing - 2026)

Muskoka Lakes

What's a Level 2 Type B Crossing? Watch this video to learn more about these crosswalks.

What's a Mid-block Crossing? Watch this video to learn more about these crosswalks.

Existing

Maple St. at Lock St. E

Planned

Gordon St. at MR 169 (Mid-block Crossing - 2026)
Joseph St. at MR 118 (Level 2 Type B Crossing - 2026)
Portage St. at MR169 (Mid-block Crossing - 2026)

Crossing Types

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you're walking or driving, knowing how to use crosswalks properly keeps everyone safe.

Level 2 Type B Crossings

Level 2 Type B Pedestrian Crossings are designed so everyone, whether you're a local resident, visitor, student, or someone with visual impairments, can cross safely and independently.

⚠️ Important: Level 2 Type B crossings do not give vehicles a red light like signalized intersections do. You must wait for traffic to stop in both directions before crossing.

Accessibility Features

Level 2 Type B crossings include:

Overhead flashing beacons - Bright lights that alert drivers to pedestrians
Tactile warning plates - Textured surfaces marking crossing boundaries
Audible locator beeps - Sound cues to help find the push button
Directional tactile arrows - Raised arrows with braille indicating crossing direction
Voice activation - Audio message confirming the crossing has been activated

How to Use a Level 2 Type B Crossing

Step 1: Identify the Crossing

Look for overhead signs with bright flashing lights. These highly visible flashers alert drivers that someone wants to cross.

Step 2: Locate the Crossing Area

Tactile plates, bumpy textured pads on the ground, help you identify exactly where the crossing begins and ends. These raised surface indicators are especially helpful for people with visual impairments.

Step 3: Find the Push Button

Hear that beeping? The button features an indicator sound that helps you locate it, even in heavy traffic conditions.

A raised arrow on the push button identifies which direction you'll be crossing and serves as braille for people with visual impairments to orient themselves.

Step 4: Activate the Crossing

Press the button firmly. The overhead flashers will start immediately, and you'll hear a voice message, "Please wait for traffic to stop."

Step 5: Wait for all Traffic to Stop

Unlike signalized crossings, vehicles do not receive a red light at this type of crossing. You must visually confirm that traffic has stopped in both directions before you step off the curb.

Step 6: Cross When Safe

Once all vehicles have stopped in both directions, proceed across the crosswalk. Stay alert and aware of traffic throughout your crossing.

The tactile plates on the opposite side will confirm you've reached the other curb safely.

Watch the video to see these features in action.

Intersection or Mid-block Crossings

Accessibility Features at a Glance

Our upgraded pedestrian crossings include:

Tactile warning plates - Textured ground surfaces to locate crossing areas
Adaptive locator sounds - Audio cues that adjust volume based on traffic noise
Directional tactile arrows - Raised arrows on buttons indicating crossing direction
Vibrating push buttons - Tactile confirmation when it's safe to cross
Audible countdown signals - Voice countdown to help you finish crossing safely
Visual walk signals - Illuminated walking person and flashing hand displays

How to Use a Mid-Block/Intersection Pedestrian Crossing

Our intersection and mid-block pedestrian crossings—the type that look like full traffic signals—include innovative features designed with accessibility in mind.

Step 1: Locate the Crossing

Textured tactile plates on the ground help you find the crossing area. These raised surface indicators are especially helpful for people with visual impairments, providing a tactile cue that you've reached the crossing point.

Step 2: Find and Press the Button

The crosswalk button includes a locator sound that adapts to your environment—it gets louder during busy traffic conditions so you can always find it when you need it.

Feel the raised arrow on the button? This tactile arrow indicates which direction you'll be crossing, helping you orient yourself at the intersection.

Press the button and wait for your signal.

Step 3: Wait for the Safe-to-Cross Signal

When it's safe to cross, the button will vibrate—your tactile signal that traffic has stopped.

Vehicles will receive a red light, and the illuminated walking person symbol will appear on the display.

Step 4: Cross Safely

As you cross, stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

When the flashing hand appears, you'll hear an audible countdown—"6, 5, 4"—giving you time to finish crossing safely. If you haven't started crossing yet, wait for the next cycle.

Step 5: Confirm You've Reached the Other Side

Tactile plates on the opposite side confirm you've reached the curb safely and completely crossed the road.

Watch the video to see these features in action.

Key features

Audible push buttons provide two main types of feedback:

Traditional Audible Feedback: When the button is pushed, it activates the traditional “cuckoo” or “chirp” sound, signaling the pedestrian crossing phase.

Extended Feedback with Vibration and Voice Guidance:

Pressing and holding the button for three seconds activates a vibration.
This is followed by signals (cuckoo or chirp) to indicate it is safe to cross.
A voice command also announces the remaining walk time during the countdown.

Location-specific features

These features ensure that pedestrian crossings are not only accessible but also tailored to the safety needs of each specific location.

Some locations have unique voice commands to reflect local traffic conditions:

Main St., Huntsville, Pedestrian Crossing:

Pushing the button activates the “cuckoo” or “chirp” sound.

Holding the button for three seconds activates a vibration and signals (cuckoo or chirp). A voice command announces: “Caution, vehicles may not stop.”

In Huntsville, the intersections of Centre and Main streets, Brunel and Main streets, and West and Main streets have the following location specific features:

A touchless “wave activation” option. Users can activate the button by waving their hand in front of it, while still having the option to press the button if preferred.

Winewood Ave. E, Gravenhurst, Pedestrian Crossing:

Pushing the button activates the “cuckoo” or “chirp” sound.

Holding the button for three seconds activates a vibration and signals (cuckoo or chirp). A voice command announces: “Warning, lights are flashing.”

Important Note: At most intersections, the APS buttons do not need to be pushed to activate the walk symbol. However, they must be activated (by pressing or waving, where applicable) to enable audible features.

Additional features of audible push buttons

Audible push buttons include several additional features designed to assist individuals with visual impairments:

Locator Sound: A consistent sound helps visually impaired users locate the push buttons.

Tactile Feedback: When pressed, the button provides a distinct physical movement or “click,” reassuring users that the button has been successfully activated.

Braille and Raised Arrows: These features indicate the direction of travel to guide users.

Adjustable Volume: The sound level automatically adapts to ambient noise, increasing in louder environments, such as areas with heavy traffic, to ensure the signal remains audible.

Vibration Cues: These provide accessibility for individuals who are deaf-blind, enhancing inclusivity.