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INUVIK
The Department of Public Works is turning to Plan B after no one bid on the tender it put out for parking lot signs to be made for and installed at East 3 School.

The parking lot at East 3 School is still a free-for-all. The Department of Public Works put out a tender for directional signage, but no one bid on it. The department is now on the hunt to find a solution. - NNSL file photo

Richard Knight, regional superintendent for the department, said he isn't sure where public works will get the directional signage now, but the department is working on the problem.

"In the meantime, to avoid issues with traffic, we have been in discussions with the town and we're looking around to find what other signs we have available to us immediately," Knight said, adding the plan is to put up temporary signs before the holiday starts.

According to Inuvik's senior administrative officer Grant Hood, the town supplied public works with signs Monday.

The parking lot situation at East 3 has been a hot topic among parents, school staff, the Inuvik District Education Authority (IDEA) and town council.

With no signs in place and no one directing traffic, the parking lot is a free-for-all.

"There are accidents waiting to happen," resident Marjorie Baetz told the Inuvik Drum previously. "I'm terrified that some kid is going to get hit."

Chairperson for the IDEA, Judy Harder, said there have been a lot of discussions about how to improve the situation.

"We have tried to address the issue with the town and with DPW. Beaufort Delta education is aware of the situation as well so we're trying to work with all these partners to get this resolved," she said.

Harder said the IDEA is considering starting a safety patrol or asking parents to volunteer to direct traffic during busy times.

The authority has also sent a letter to Mayor Floyd Roland asking, "that the town of Inuvik provide support and assistance in addressing the issue of crosswalks, lighting and signage in front of East 3 School."

The request sparked a somewhat heated discussion among council on Dec. 10 and again on Dec. 12.

Many councillors suggested that there needed to be more education about where drivers should enter the parking lot, exit the area and stop to drop off students.

Also, councillor Kurt Wainman brought up the idea of turning part of Kingmingya Road into a one-way to make the area safer.

Meanwhile, deputy mayor Jim McDonald reminded everyone that the situation will be improved once Samuel Hearne Secondary School is torn down and another entrance is added to the parking lot.

According to Knight, the building demolition is tentatively set for February.

"We definitely have to have a good look at (the situation) before we move ahead with anything," said McDonald. "We can't just react."

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