SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — In the 40-plus-years Art Gerrard has lived on Pope Road, he's never seen anything like it.
On Wednesday, Gerrard was working in a mechanic's shop on his property when one car, and then another, pulled into his driveway, stopped for a brief moment, and then drove through his backyard, across a neighbouring property and turned out into the parking lot of the convenience store located on Central Street, near the intersection of Pope Road.
"I didn't know them, they didn't know me. I thought they were customers," said Gerrard.
He blames the layout of the intersection of the Pope Road extension for the issue.
"It's all because of this corner. Traffic backs up and people get frustrated. I have dozens of people turn around in my driveway, which I don't care about - it's fine. But I don't want people driving through my yard all the time."
Gerrard said the incident happened around 4:30 p.m. - peak traffic hours when workers from the tax centre are leaving.
"It's been talked about for years. It's time something gets done."
Gerrard said he reported the incident to the police.
City councillor Justin Doiron's ward borders the intersection.
"This is just a prime example, whether intentional or not, why changes are needed to this intersection," said Doiron, the councillor responsible for the Technical Services department which handles city roadways and infrastructure.
"Add this to the fact that everything at this location is so misaligned and pedestrian un-friendly, it's a wonder there haven't been serious injuries occur as a result."
Doiron said the intersection has been recently discussed by council. Residents can expect the topic to come up again at a future Technical Services meeting.
"Technical Services is actively weighing options for a site plan. This isn't a back burner project anymore. When it comes to the city's transportation infrastructure, this intersection is front and centre."
