A Logan Avenue median which has frustrated motorists, local business owners and area residents will remain as is following a recent decision by a civic committee.

The city’s standing policy committee on infrastructure renewal and public works recommended earlier this month that the median — located on Logan west of McPhillips Street —  not be altered.

The decision was in response to a request from Coun. Scott Fielding that the city investigate why the public was not consulted about recent changes to the intersection.

Fielding and Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) had earlier voiced concerns that the median posed a safety risk because it no longer permitted left turns into the parking lot of a nearby shopping centre at 1111 Logan Ave.

At a May 29 meeting, the committee concurred with an earlier decision by the Winnipeg Public Service Board which said modifying the median could create additional safety issues.

Fielding said he was disappointed with the standing policy committee’s decision.

"It isn’t something I agree with, but I understand the decision. We can all agree safety is important," he said, adding the city generally consults with area stakeholders before undertaking any major roadway changes.

Area residents Fred Morris and Howard Norris submitted a petition with more than 350 signatures in opposition to the median to the standing policy committee.

Respondents to the petition were succinct in their assessment of the new median, which was constructed late last year.

"It totally sucks," said Eric Lusty.

"Dumb," said Mike Jadick.

Rob Wiebe wasted no words when it came to describing what he thought of the city’s efforts at the intersection.

"Not thinking. A (expletive) waste of time, money and effort. Stupid."

Norris said the median has been a major inconvenience for customers and commuters in the area. He said it has made driving in the area dangerous because the median blends in with the road at night making it difficult for drivers to see it.

"People are often driving into it," he said.

Norris said he doesn’t understand why the change was made since motorists had been allowed to turn into the strip mall’s parking for decades, including when there was a city weight station on the site.

"It didn’t bother the city back then," he said.

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