Groups say intersection unsafe

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This article was published 18/03/2010 (5783 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Several North End groups say it’s only a matter of time before someone is hurt or killed attempting to cross McGregor Street at Stella Avenue.

A delegation of representatives from St. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral appeared before the Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan community committee earlier this month to request the city install a signalized crosswalk near the intersection.

Nicholas Yaroslav Chubenko, president of the cathedral’s parish council, said many members of the community believe a pedestrian corridor is urgently needed, despite previous rejections by the city.

“We need to look out for the safety of our most vulnerable,” Chubenko said, noting seniors living with limited mobility and school-age children constitute a significant portion of pedestrian traffic in the area.

Chubenko presented councillors with letters of support from St. Josaphat Selo-Villa, St. Josaphat Council of the Knights of Columbus, Immaculate Heart of Mary School, and the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre.

Chubenko said that several residents of St. Josaphat Selo-Villa seniors home have nearly been hitting while trying to cross the street. Most of the residents have limited mobility, he added.

Immaculate Heart of Mary School is located near the intersection. Principal Rod Picklyk said in a letter to councillors that as many as 280 students, staff and parents cross McGregor at least once a month to attend events at the cathedral and could be at risk if something isn’t done to improve safety at the intersection.

Diane Roussin, acting executive director of the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, said in a letter to councillors that many families walk to the centre with multiple children, some in strollers.

“It’s not safe,” added Father Michael Buyachok, who joined Chubenko at the meeting.

The city has conducted several traffic studies of the area to determine if some form of additional traffic control is required. The most recent study was conducted in November 2009. It showed that 266 pedestrians crossed that section of McGregor Street and only 2% had to wait more than 30 seconds before doing so.

Chubenko and Buyachok both said the issue is safety, not wait times.

Coun. Harry Lazarenko (Mynarski) agreed and said he understands their concerns.

“We’ll send it to the (city administration) with instructions to solve this problem,” Lazarenko said.
Committee members passed a resolution directing city administrators to meet with area representatives in an effort to determine a solution to the problem.

ryan.crocker@canstarnews.com