Councillor Slams Saanich Park Plan
Letters to the editor: Saanich News October 1, 2008
Re: Park plan meeting disintegrates into traffic debate, Saanich News, Sept. 24
Saanich News headlines on July 30 “Collisions fuel residents’ frustration with accident-prone Sayward Road” and on August 8 “Safety solutions sought for dicey Sayward Curve” raised public awareness of traffic concerns at what can only be described as the most convoluted road configuration in Saanich.
It is unbelievable that a park plan is being proposed that would introduce a 69 space parking lot with two access/egresses onto Fowler Road further complicating the Fowler/Sayward/Hunt Roads combination.
It appeared that parks’ planning has taken place in isolation of traffic planning. This summer I met on site with residents for a brainstorming session to identify the issues and look at some simple solutions. I heard stories of squealing tires, signs and fences being knocked over and the fear of letting children play in the front yard. From the grassroots many ideas evolved including a traffic circle and the recommendation of the Cordova Bay Community Association for a “T” intersection.
As co-chair of Saanich’s Advisory Traffic Committee, I presented the residents concerns and potential solutions to our most recent meeting. The ATC is a technical committee that looks at traffic counts, reported accidents and a warrant system that classifies Saanich intersections by priority.
Although there was agreement that the road configuration is difficult only small solutions including updated signage, reflective “cats eyes” and improved street lighting were supported. Counts, reports and warrants, although valuable technical information, is small comfort to residents feeling unsafe and victimized. There is no doubt accidents can be attributed to driver error but that does not address the potential for a tragedy.
As recent as Friday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. a car lost control and crashed in virtually the same location as in July. Fortunately absent were pedestrians, and horse and bicycle traffic that frequent this area. The Fowler/Sayward/Hunt Road combination needs to be seriously addressed before it is the site of a serious tragedy. This must take place before a park with two accesses and 69 parking spaces is thrown into the mix.
Re: Park plan meeting disintegrates into traffic debate, Saanich News, Sept. 24
Saanich News headlines on July 30 “Collisions fuel residents’ frustration with accident-prone Sayward Road” and on August 8 “Safety solutions sought for dicey Sayward Curve” raised public awareness of traffic concerns at what can only be described as the most convoluted road configuration in Saanich.
It is unbelievable that a park plan is being proposed that would introduce a 69 space parking lot with two access/egresses onto Fowler Road further complicating the Fowler/Sayward/Hunt Roads combination.
It appeared that parks’ planning has taken place in isolation of traffic planning. This summer I met on site with residents for a brainstorming session to identify the issues and look at some simple solutions. I heard stories of squealing tires, signs and fences being knocked over and the fear of letting children play in the front yard. From the grassroots many ideas evolved including a traffic circle and the recommendation of the Cordova Bay Community Association for a “T” intersection.
As co-chair of Saanich’s Advisory Traffic Committee, I presented the residents concerns and potential solutions to our most recent meeting. The ATC is a technical committee that looks at traffic counts, reported accidents and a warrant system that classifies Saanich intersections by priority.
Although there was agreement that the road configuration is difficult only small solutions including updated signage, reflective “cats eyes” and improved street lighting were supported. Counts, reports and warrants, although valuable technical information, is small comfort to residents feeling unsafe and victimized. There is no doubt accidents can be attributed to driver error but that does not address the potential for a tragedy.
As recent as Friday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. a car lost control and crashed in virtually the same location as in July. Fortunately absent were pedestrians, and horse and bicycle traffic that frequent this area. The Fowler/Sayward/Hunt Road combination needs to be seriously addressed before it is the site of a serious tragedy. This must take place before a park with two accesses and 69 parking spaces is thrown into the mix.
posted by Vicki Sanders @ 8:24 AM
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