New flashing lights could be coming to three North Battleford crosswalks

Mayor Kelli Hawtin acknowledged pedestrians use that crossing but questioned whether other locations, particularly areas used by children near schools and playgrounds, might be better suited to the flashing lights.

“I just think there’s better locations,” she stated.

A councillor pointed to crossings near Holy Family School, while Hawtin raised the crossing at Walker Drive and 19th Avenue as another location used by students.

She also asked the city to examine the intersection of 100th Street and 20th Avenue, where pedestrians cross a wide roadway and children are present during the summer.

Operations director Stewart Schafer said that location may be better suited to an overhead flashing system because motorists travel in two lanes in each direction and use additional turning lanes. Such a system would be more expensive and could be considered in a future city budget.

Schafer said the three crossings in the current application are mid-block and may be difficult for approaching drivers to see.

The 21st Avenue location serves seniors travelling between River Heights Cottages and Lodge and the nearby Co-op, he said. The crossing sits approximately 15 to 20 feet from the intersection.

“There’s a cut through in there,” he added.

Council briefly considered delaying its decision to allow staff to evaluate other locations. However, the city must submit its application by Sept. 30, two days after council’s next scheduled meeting.

Schafer said the grant application must identify precisely where the equipment would be installed. The city could not secure funding for the proposed crossings and later move the signs elsewhere.

Evaluating different locations would also require staff to determine new site-specific costs and obtain three prices from suppliers.

Coun. Greg Lightfoot suggested proceeding with the current application and examining other crossings during the program’s next intake. Applications are accepted twice a year.

Schafer also cautioned against placing flashing equipment at too many crossings because motorists could become accustomed to the warnings.

“You start doing flashing lights, and people become blind to them,” he said. “That’s what I am worried about.”

Each proposed sign would be approximately eight feet high and equipped with a solar-powered flashing light bar. Pedestrians could activate the paired signs using push buttons, with the light bars connected through Bluetooth.

The equipment is estimated to cost $20,150, including taxes. The Provincial Traffic Safety Fund would cover most of that expense if the application is approved, while the city would be responsible for an estimated $6,000 installation cost.

The provincial program is supported by net revenue from photo speed enforcement tickets and funds eligible traffic-safety projects.

“We always want pedestrians to be safe in the community… It’s all about keeping people safe,” Hawtin noted.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

New flashing lights could be coming to three North Battleford crosswalks

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