The City has approved a plan which will see a multiuse path erected on Mystery Lake Road (City of Thompson).
Even though a pedestrian count study warrants it, a crosswalk at the intersection of Mystery Lake Road and Nelson Road will not be built.
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee had been exploring options to change the crossing after safety concerns were brought forward over a year ago.
During Monday night’s city council meeting the committee recommended 1 of 4 options explored, which is to direct pedestrian traffic to cross at the intersection of Mystery Lake Road and Selkirk Avenue instead.
The plan calls for a removal of a piece of sidewalk that leads to the existing crossing, and the addition of a multi-use path and jersey barrier on the south side of Mystery Lake Road.
With a vote of 5-3, a resolution approving the recommendation carried with Councillor Penny Byer, Councillor Blake Ellis, and Mayor Dennis Fenske voting against the motion. Councillor Dennis Foley was not present.
Other options explored include a reduction in the speed limit, and/or building a pedestrian crosswalk. The latter was recommended by Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation after a pedestrian count study determined that a pedestrian corridor is warranted. MIT even approved the installation of one, at their cost.
Chair of the Public Works Committee, Councillor Ron Matechuk explained the recommendation, saying they didn’t want to slow down the highway but they also didn’t want too many crosswalks, making reference to Selkirk Road.
Councillor Penny Byer said there was no way she could support this plan, adding she wasn’t sure how the matter became a Public Works Committee issue as opposed to a Public Safety Committee issue. She said expecting people to go 175m out of their way in order to get to the other side of the street, is a disservice, and that she doesn’t see it approving safety.
The City will now begin discussions with MIT to see if they will relocate the funds towards a multiuse path, instead of the crosswalk.
