City of Powell River councillors have approved expenditures for two crosswalks on city streets.
At the September 22 city council meeting, councillors considered two motions to put crosswalks on Manson Avenue, near Larry Gouthro Park, and on Alberni Street, at either Ontario Avenue or Fernwood Avenue. Each will cost $53,800, funded from general unappropriated surplus, and will feature solar rectangular flashing beacons at each crossing.
Councillor Maggie Hathaway, speaking on the motion for the crosswalk near Larry Gouthro Park, said it is a dangerous area because there are many children at the park, and even though people should be slowing down in the park zone, they are not always, and children are running across the street.
“A crosswalk is most appropriate,” said Hathaway.
Councillor Jim Palm said that considering the playground is an excellent idea.
“The mayor and many councillors have been advocating for this for many years and it has finally come forward,” said Palm. “I support this crosswalk.”
Mayor Dave Formosa said council has worked hard on the crosswalks issue and it took seven years to get the crosswalk at Willingdon Beach. He said the crosswalk on Manson Avenue had also taken considerable time.
For the crosswalk on Alberni Street, the motion stipulated that it be installed at Fernwood Avenue or Ontario Avenue, based on staff recommendation.
Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman said she is in favour of this recommendation and that at either intersection, a crosswalk is needed.
“We’ve had several letters and letters from school children who go to school at Edgehill Elementary School who are finding it difficult to cross Alberni, which is just a terrible street,” added Leishman. “I trust that staff will look at which makes the most sense and is the safest option.”
Councillor Cindy Elliott said she wanted to plug the Fernwood location, which is more en route to the school.
“Folks coming off Fernwood are unlikely to walk backwards to go across a crosswalk to get toward the school,” said Elliott. “The Fernwood location makes more sense.”
Hathaway said alternatively, it’s a block from Fernwood up to Manson Avenue where there is a crosswalk. She said she is thinking for the people on Ontario, in multifamily housing units, they are wanting to go to the mall.
“I respectfully disagree and believe Ontario would be the preferred location, but staff can hash that out.”
Formosa said there are a number of housing projects in the Ontario Avenue area, but it would be up to staff.
