Story The area around the Territorial Drive and 100th Street intersection was a hot topic of discussion at Monday's city council meeting.
Councillor Kelli Saemann asked about whether traffic signals would be installed at Territorial Drive and the Sobeys/Co-op entrances, noting safety concerns for pedestrians and drivers there.
"I saw someone almost get hit a couple of days ago," she said.
Director of Public Works Stewart Schafer explained that if the city jumps ahead to do the work without permission from the province, "we pay the full cost."
If there is permission from Urban Highways, they would cost-share with the city 75-25, he explained.
Sidewalks and crosswalks would be painted soon so those crosswalks would be in place, said Schafer. But the signal lights issue is one that has been brought to council before.
He explained the lights would be in the range upwards of $400,000. "It is quite a chunk of money."
It was also noted by Mayor Ian Hamilton that there is a "tipping point" of traffic volumes that triggers a cost share. Schafer confirmed there was a contract stating the owner of the Sobeys/Tim Hortons parking lot must pay the costs if traffic count gets to a certain level.
While that particular spot sees heavy traffic, it hasn't reached that tipping point yet.
"It's come close, we have to admit, but it hasn't exceeded that yet," Schafer said.
In the meantime, the City notes that additional turning arrows are being put in at the Territorial Drive and 100th Street intersection, in the hope it will help with the traffic situation there.
