Study to explore safety measures at city intersection

City experts will explore if new safety measures are needed to reduce collisions at the intersection of North Town Road and northbound Kenaston Boulevard, due to concerns over multiple crashes at the site.

Coun. Janice Lukes said the collisions included at least one vehicle smashing into a decorative wall at the intersection about a month ago, which led her to call for the study.

“A whole retaining wall was taken out. (The crash was not) fatal, but it could have been, had there been anyone on the other side of the retaining wall, which is the playground area for a child-care facility,” said Lukes (Waverley West).

The public works committee ordered the report on Thursday.

Lukes, who is chairwoman of public works, said it’s not clear why the intersection is prone to collisions, though she suspects the danger is linked to driver distraction and speed.

“I think half the problems in our city related to transportation (are due to) drivers not focused on what they should be doing,” said Lukes.

City staff are expected to provide the traffic study in about six months, noting the number of accidents over the last five years, and recommending potential changes to reduce collisions.

Appeal aims to stop 55-plus complex

Some residents will make a second attempt to stop a hotly debated 55-plus residential development slated for Charleswood.

City council approved the plan to add a six-storey building with 132 housing units in December, which is now being appealed.

The plans for 4820, 4724 and 4814 Roblin Blvd. received a mixed reaction in November, with some community members predicting the complex would bring unwanted traffic, add noise, reduce privacy and otherwise clash with the surrounding community.

Other community members welcomed the project as a way to create options for current Charleswood residents to age in place.

The appeal will be heard on Jan. 14.