More sidewalks would be appreciated in St. George's ward
By Matthew Van Dongen, Standard Staff
Rick White worries every time his wife sets out with their daughters, ages one and three, for an excursion to nearby St. Alfred's Park.
It's not the grassy, tree-lined little park that bothers him. It's the missing sidewalks.
Susan spends most of the trip pushing little Sarah Lynn and Rachel Theresa in a double stroller down the middle of Ted St., which has a sidewalk that peters out partway down the street.
"It bothers me. We talk about it all the time," said White, who has called the city repeatedly to lobby for more area sidewalks.
"There are other kids around here and kids love the park, right? And motorists zip down this street as a shortcut (from Geneva St. to Vine St.) That's not safe."
St. George's ward boasts many residential streets with bright yellow No Sidewalks, Watch for Children signs.
Some are dead-ends or crescents that don't attract through-drivers, of course. Some residents on these streets told The Standard new sidewalks aren't a priority for them.
But others — especially residents with young families — said they'd prefer to see a little more concrete safety.
White said he would pay attention if a candidate brings up sidewalks during the ongoing municipal election campaign.
Many older neighbourhoods north of the QEW have fewer residential sidewalks, said transportation planner Steve Bittner.
The city typically has between $200,000 and $300,000 set aside each year to add sidewalks at the request of residents.
But campaigning on a platform of more sidewalks might not be a guarantee of more votes.
"We do get requests from residents asking for sidewalks … but we also hear from a lot of neighbours who don't want anything to do with them," Bittner said.
In theory, the city's new Official Plan calls for all streets to eventually have sidewalks on both sides of the road. It's part of a new emphasis on safe, walkable and cycling-friendly communities. (The "complete streets" philosophy has also caused excitement on Welland Ave., where new bike lanes were added and then quickly removed in the face of complaints from businesses and motorists.)
But plenty of homeowners are just as happy not paying for — or shovelling — new sidewalks. The city always asks for a petition from sidewalk-seeking residents, Bittner said, and schedules a public open house before making a decision.
St. George's may be missing a few sidewalks, but it's missing even more voters.
It claimed the poorest voter turnout of any ward last election, at 34%, despite a general upswing of interest across the city in a wide-open mayoral race.
Luke Dortono, 18, is still deciding whether he'll take advantage of his first opportunity to fill in a ballot Oct. 25.
The city native said he doesn't see a lot of job opportunities for people his age locally and he's considering going to school, or looking for work, outside the city.
"I'm listening … if there's an issue that particularly concerns me, I'll vote," Dortono said. "I think some people believe things won't change either way, so they just don't care."
The Standard asked candidates for their thoughts on more sidewalks for the ward.
Dale Millar said the city has to consult with all residents and do it on a "street-by-street basis." But he added it doesn't make sense to leave sidewalk gaps on a street, resident opposition or not.
Incumbent Peter Secord likes the existing system of residents making requests of council, but added council needs to ensure "connectivity" exists, particularly in areas with new infill developments.
Laura Ip said the city needs to follow through on its commitment to a more walkable community. She added streets near school and streets used as "cut-throughs" for traffic need sidewalks for safety reasons.
Greg Washuta also supports adding sidewalks by petition, but added the city "should look to add sidewalks in established neighbourhoods" and try to accommodate residents' concerns "while minimizing additional expenses to the city."
See below for full candidate responses:
St. George's fast-facts
— about 14,965 registered voters;
— boundaries include Scott St. to the north, Read Rd. and the Welland Canal to the east, Geneva St. to the west and Welland Ave., the QEW and Eastchester Ave. to the south;
— lowest turnout in the 2006 election, with only 34%;
— other issues include the development of the former Ferranti Packard property and the addition of bicycle lanes to arterial roads.
In their own words: full candidate responses
"I've actually received three calls this week asking my opinion on walkable communities. In each case, the resident was looking for the community to be more walkable/accessible, as they either are just tired of taking much longer routes to get to where they want to go because of a lack of sidewalks where they are; or because they use an assistive device and sidewalks or other paths end abruptly, forcing them onto the road. I am a strong advocate for safe communities and walkable communities. In both cases, sidewalks fall in line.
The city calls for being a walkable community in their plan. They need to follow-through on that.
There are a number of existing neighbourhoods in St. George's ward that do not have sidewalks and, in my opinion, need them. If a nieghbourhood is so close to a school that children would reasonably be walking to that school, then the City needs to add sidewalks. Further, if streets in a neighbourhood are used as cut-throughs between major streets, sidewalks need to be added for the safety of the residents who may be walking in that area. The Wakelin Terrace/Royal Manor Drive area is a good example of both of these. Where these two things are not in play, then sidewalks should either be added when the road goes under construction, as it will be less expensive (to a degree) to add sidewalks at that point, or when the residents petition the City.
In every case, the City needs to be communicating with the residents and at least providing them with notice of work that is to come, as it will change the landscape of their neighbourhood and be disruptive for a brief time."
– Laura Ip
"St Georges Ward is and has been developed for the most part. There are small infill developments that come forth however and City Hall staff and Council make sure connectivity exists. As for adding new sidewalks to existing streets I believe residents asking councillors to get involved as they see fit is best. It allows for the residents concern to come forward and staff to examine areas as required."
– Peter Secord
"You have to do it street by street. We have to ask the people what they want. We are elected to represent the people. A major street, yes, it needs a sidewalk. But if you're going to have a sidewalk, do it right the first time. Don't leave gaps on a street."
– Dale Millar
"Creating more walkable neighbourhoods through the installation of sidewalks lowers risks to walkers and helps to promote the safety, health and wellness of residents and visitors.
If a petition is received from the majority of the residents supporting sidewalks to be installed, the city should install sidewalks. The city should also look to add sidewalks in established neighbourhoods.
Adding sidewalks in established neighbourhoods can be difficult due to established lawns, trees, driveways and flowerbeds. The city should endeavor to accommodate residents' concerns where sidewalk installations are proposed while minimizing additional expenses to the city. Snow clearing is available for seniors who have health problems that require supportive services for winter month sidewalk maintenance."
– Greg Washuta
No comments:
Post a Comment