Roads are safer in Lafontaine as a new crosswalk was installed for pedestrian safety and community heritage.
Public works director Tim Leitch announced the installation at the recent meeting of Tiny Township council, noting that it marked the fourth crosswalk in the municipality.
“The school approached us a couple of years ago and were looking for a safer way for people to get across the street (Lafontaine Road West), Concession 16 – which is a county road,” said Leitch.
As the road is also County Road 26 and maintained by the county, Leitch said that coordination needed to be made with the county for the installation.
“It also services the school (École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Croix), they’ve got some local businesses there, plus we also have the retirement home that’s in that area. It’s a busy little area.”
Leitch stated that crossing signal lights had been considered for the crosswalk, but county standards required closer scrutiny.
“We did a people count on that location on the busiest weekend in the summertime, just so we could see what the numbers would be,” said Leitch. “Unfortunately, it didn’t get to that level.”
Notably, Leitch brought attention to the crosswalk’s appearance and its connection to Lafontaine.
“(As well as signage), it’s also got the unique colours with the white and the green, which are the Franco-Ontarian colours, which is reflective of the community that this was put in,” Leitch stated.
Coun. Kelly Helowka expressed gratitude during the meeting on behalf of himself and the positive feedback he had received from residents.
“I know there’s a few cities and towns in North America that have adopted those types of crosswalks. Some of them are red and white, some are green and white as you said, and the people have been very receptive to those,” said Helowka.
Leitch said that although the cost had “gone a little bit above and beyond what would typically be in” a budgeted amount, that his staff had been pleased with the end result, and wanted to bring awareness to the community who may be driving through the community safety zone.
“We’re very happy to have this put into place, and just want the public to be aware that when you’re driving through Lafontaine, make sure you watch out for people and also the users of it,” said Leitch. “The key is that we funnel our pedestrian traffic through one central area, which will make it a lot easier for our travelling public.
“It’s another little safety project we’ve implemented in the township,” he added.
Archives of council meetings are available to view on the township’s YouTube channel.
http://www.youtube.com/c/TinyTownshipLive
