Macaulay Village residents concerned about safety on road that accesses the Heights

– Google Maps satellite image

Some residents of Macaulay Village are inviting council to hold a meeting at Picton Heights to discuss concerns about community safety.

A group from  the Prince Edward Learning Centre, are to address pedestrian safety for Macaulay Village residents during Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting at Shire Hall. Presenting are Bradley O’Neil, Jerri Lynn Ostroskie, Cynara Lewis and Terry St. Rose.

Their deputation points out County Road 22 (Church Street) leading from what is known locally as ‘The Heights’ is not safe for pedestrians or cyclists.

“We feel that our community’s safety, dignity, respect and accessibility are at jeopardy without adequate sidewalks, lighting, signage or speed limits going up the hill,” the group’s deputation states.

Macaulay Village is home to 165 single and semi-detached lots, 90 townhouse units, 15 seniors apartments as well as parkland and future development.

“It is also a low-income community. If you’ve been in this community, you have met someone who is at risk, or fears for their safety…. As recently as last April, an 11-year-old boy was struck by a motorcyle.”

During the municipal election campaign, participants at Prince Edward Learning Centre held discussions with many council candidates to share concerns and priorities.

“During the discussions, we shared our concerns for pedestrians and we’ve heard horrific remarks like ‘I’m terrified of seeing a child die’. It’s a dangerous road for any pedestrian, cyclist, or person with a stroller or walker to be on,” the deputation states.

It speaks of an alternative route to the main road down the mountain and through the park, but states “it’s equally dangerous. It’s unmaintained, therefore it’s dark, slippery, impossible to push a wheelchair or a stroller and it feels particularly unsafe for women.

“We all deserve to be safe. No one should be forced to stay home, or pay expensive transportation costs because it is unsafe to walk downtown from The Heights… to access stores, library schools.”

The group seeks sidewalks equipped with street lights, proper signage and appropriate speed limits and the addition of bike lanes.

“We encourage you to do a safety audit of our community,” the deputation states. “Come out and walk in our shoes so that you can experience the unsafe conditions we face every time we need to access needed resources in our community.”