I am a resident of Westwinds. I am writing on behalf of the Westwinds residents regarding the traffic calming measures issues on Third Avenue by the flashing lights crosswalk.
In 2022, one of our residents, Dana Drake, gathered about 100 signatures signed by both the Westwinds residents and Shannon Retirement Home regarding how fast the majority of vehicles were travelling around a certain section of Third Avenue by the flashing lights located in front of Westwinds.
He also reached out to one of the District's representatives and an article was written by Steven Chua from The 撸奶社区 concerning these issues June 20, 2022.
It is now May 2024, and these are still the same requests from the residents of Westwinds.
- Speed humps/bumps are needed on both sides of the flashing crosswalk in front of Westwinds on Third Avenue to slow down vehicles. Seniors from Westwinds and Shannon Retirement homes use the flashing lights crosswalk on a daily basis, including children, parents and the surrounding neighbourhood.
- School Zone signs are needed in the section by Westwinds and Shannon Retirement Home.
- Speed limit signs of 30/ Km are needed like they are in school zone areas. These should be located before the flashing crosswalk where the vehicles are turning off Bailey Avenue, and by Shannon Retirement homes driving from Pemberton Avenue past the crosswalk heading towards Bailey Avenue.
- The flashing crosswalk in front of Westwinds is still proving to be a hazardous area because vehicles are not stopping or slowing down, ignoring the smaller-sized flashing light
The flashing light at the crosswalk is not as tall as the ones in front of the schools and on Highway 99. So, when the lights are flashing the vehicles do not seem to see anyone until they are almost upon the person still walking in the crosswalk.
Recently, I appeared at the April 16 Council meeting and spoke during the unscheduled public attendance. I understand, up to a point, what the Mayor was saying regarding there are other traffic calming issues in the rest of Squamish, that our issues regarding our area should not be more important than the other traffic calming requests. However, I also feel very strongly that this particular traffic calming measure has been an ongoing issue for two years this coming June, and it should be addressed now. So, the residents of Westwinds' next step will be organizing some protests, by the flashing crosswalk, to show we are not giving up until these requests are addressed.
We, the Residents of Westwinds, hope this situation will be resolved sooner than later before someone gets badly hurt or worse.
Deidre Plaatjes
Squamish
