It seems like this has gone on forever.

Back in late-2016, an idea to erect a crosswalk at the intersection of Pine North and Fifth Avenue was proposed as an accessibility measure for seniors living in the nearby St. Mary’s Gardens.

The discussion is still continuing halfway through 2017 on what to put in place, if anything at all.

Yes, there is a matter of cost-effectiveness and what will happen with traffic in the area.  But the latest recommendation of placing a painted crosswalk was proposed by the city’s Manager of Engineering Monday night.

Pat Seguin says the city can take a phased-in approach to the matter, meaning they put in the painted crosswalk for six months and re-evaluate the situation.  This painted crosswalk would cost around $10,000.

Compare that to an approximate $50,000 cost in putting in the signaled crosswalk originally proposed.

Asked about putting in a four-way stop, Seguin denounced the suggestion completely.  He says a big issue is putting a stop sign at the top of an incline such as Pine North.

“(Right now) in the winter time, you see vehicles spinning out trying to climb from Sixth Avenue up that roadway all the time,” he said.

Seguin adds stop signs are not meant to be put in place for pedestrian traffic, but rather motorists.

The last discussion on this came recently with Dan McKay of the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee, who says signaled crosswalks are dangerous for those who may not be aware whether it’s functioning or not.

McKay believes stop signs would be the better route to take.

There’s also the argument that nothing needs to be done at all, with Algonquin being 105 metres away.

One thing is for sure, this discussion isn’t going away.

A resolution to be voted on is expected at the next council meeting.

 

Filed under: Local News