Some have suggested this intersection should be signalized or turned into a four-way stop. Public Works and the police have analyzed the traffic volumes at this intersection more than once and have determined that it does not meet the requirements under the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada. There may be problems with sight lines due to a house on one corner, but that is an issue that should be dealt with separately to any consideration of traffic control measures. In fact, I often hear from people that want us to remove stop signs in locations where they are felt to be unnecessary. And have to agree — we do seem to have quite a lot of them.

The signage is very clear but one thing is missing that everyone should keep in mind — speeding fines in school zones are now doubled. We requested provincial legislation to allow these new fines and I was very pleased when government passed it. This should probably be noted on the signs.

Drive safely tomorrow. Keep an eye out for our students. Ward 3 has a big student population with four or five schools either in the ward proper, or right on the boundary. On a personal note, my six-year old son starts grade one tomorrow. It’s going to be a big day!

Highway Traffic Act tickets issued (year to date):

2007: a few short of 1400
2008: less than 700

Why the huge drop? Are there fewer speeders, red light runners, and stop sign-optional drivers? Or is enforcement simply down by half?

UPDATE: Answers here.

I’m happy to report that both of these requests have been approved by council. These represent a signficant share of the total new sidewalk construction for 2008. If you have any questions or concerns before the work begins, likely in the summer, please let me know.

Edinburgh, which is essentially an extension of Goodwill, is the major north-south road through the neighbourhoods west of North River Road in Ward 3. The new sidewalk will cover the only three-block stretch without a sidewalk all the way from Brighton Road in the south, to the north end of Edinburgh at Maplewood Drive. This is a busy stretch of road with relatively high pedestrian traffic. There are students walking to school, and many walkers/joggers on their way to and from Victoria Park. Because it’s such a neighbourhood thoroughfare, I’ve heard many complaints about speeding on Edinburgh. Last year I had new “Kids Playing” and speed limit signage posted on request of a resident. There has been a definite safety concern here, so it’s a perfect place for a new sidewalk.

Trafalgar is another example of a sidewalk extending only halfway up the street. There is an existing sidewalk between Kirkwood and Riverview Drive, but then it stops. The Spring Park Church on Trafalgar is home to the Spring Park School of Early Learning and the Emmanuel Christian School. Spring Park Elementary is around the corner, and Colonel Gray High and Queen Charlotte Intermediate are nearby. This is a school zone by any definition. There’s no reason for Trafalgar to have half a sidewalk.