THREE RIVERS – Bobby Nicholson says people are taking their lives in their hands when they step off the curb in some areas of Montague.
“You could be there for hours and not be able to cross the road,” said Nicholson, a Montague resident who voiced his fears at the Three Rivers town council meeting Monday night.
“Ours is a much more active community than we’ve had in the past, with walkers, bikers, runners, so I want to address health and safety issues around Montague.”
One of the more pressing issues connected to the pitfalls of being a pedestrian on the roads, said Nicholson, is the ineffectiveness of crosswalks around the community.
During the public input portion of the meeting, Nicholson said he would like to see there be more lights to access to cross safely on streets like MacDonald Avenue in Montague as trucks and cars speed up and down roads and hills.
He suggested the town look into flashing lights for crosswalks around the community, using the example of the crosswalk in front of the Montague Post Office, which has lights.
“They work really well; I would like to see more of them.”
In his remarks, Nicholson also addressed the need for lights on trails throughout Montague, noting it would be beneficial for residents looking to extend their exercise into the winter months. It would also help to extend walking trails beyond Robinson Road and as far as Georgetown.
Finally, Nicholson said he would like to see more transparency from the town on developments in the community.
“We’ve heard about the bridge, the Splash Pad, but outside of that not sure what is happening,” he said. “We need to know what’s going on.”
Coun. Allen Munroe asked Nicholson if he thought the development of a new walking bridge across the Montague River would be an asset for active residents.
“I would much rather see the money diverted into solar panels and solar lights for the trail and opening the trails opened further through the winter. I think it would be money better spent," said Nicholson.
PROVINCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Mayor Edward MacAulay told Nicholson the issues of the trails and the crosswalks belong to the province, and deputy mayor Debbie Johnston the walking bridge hasn’t been tendered yet.
MacAulay said there is also a town newsletter that is sent out via email to inform residents of what is happening in the town.
Dennis Edgecomb, another Montague resident, also spoke and agreed with Nicholson.
Edgecomb said he liked to see more speedbumps put in place around the town to slow down fast drivers,
“They certainly deter speeding.”
Edgecomb said possible locations for the speed bumps would include McDonald Avenue, John Beer Drive, Princess Drive and Douses Road.
“I am concerned about everyone’s safety… and as a former school-teacher I am extremely concerned about the children.”
Johnston said she has received calls from residents about installing speed bumps and said a speed bump cost around $2,000 each.
MacAulay said although the town does not have the jurisdiction over the crosswalks, roads or trails, it will ensure that the concerns of residents will reach the proper authorities in the province.
