Editor:
Thank you for your comprehensive article about the fatality on Dec. 6 near the Poplars mobile home park. That is three deaths in the span of 17 years on this particular stretch of highway.
My question to the re-named MOTT, whose often repeated mantra is “Safety is our number one priority,” is this.
Just how many deaths have to happen before any action is taken to increase safety?
As a resident of Woodcreek Park, I am very aware of the efforts of Sandy Cunningham, Claire Finlayson and the neighbourhood association to have a) the speed limit reduced b) a pedestrian crosswalk installed and c) a possible vehicle activated traffic light at Oceanview Drive. These efforts have been met with several ministry replies, full of meaningless platitudes and always starting and ending with the “Safety is our number one priority” mantra but never any meaningful action.
It’s time for the new minister, Mike Farnworth, to take action, in contrast to his two predecessors who did nothing.
It’s also time for Randene Neill, our new MLA, to get involved and lobby for action to be taken.
The ideal solution, to me, is the bypass highway that is desperately needed together with the three above action items. It is blindingly obvious to all local residents but not to the minister, the ministry and its staff, who don’t live anywhere near.
Glen Leon suggested an underpass, which is far safer than a crosswalk, but he is correct when he says that it won’t be considered by the MOTT as it makes too much sense and likely would cost too much money. It would however very much accommodate people with mobility issues or those who use a chair.
Buzz Bennett
Woodcreek Park, Gibsons
