Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 13/03) - City council is trying to address some traffic safety concerns in Iqaluit.

That is why the Navigator Inn intersection will change to a three-way stop on Oct. 14.

"The intersection isn't safe and it's very confusing," said Coun. Stu Kennedy.

Kennedy brought the issue forward and requested a study be done on the intersection. The public works department completed the study and had planned to change it, but not for a few more years.

Jim Grittner, director of public services, explained that the Co-op is planning to build a store at the end of the street by the Discovery Inn and they don't know how the new building will effect the intersection. "The traffic flow will change and that is the time when we should look at changing the intersection," he said.

Kennedy said they shouldn't wait but at least do something to make that area safer now.

Kennedy pointed out that there have already been some minor accidents at the corner. "We shouldn't wait until there's a major accident before we do something," he said.

Coun. Doug Lem also agreed with Kennedy that the intersection isn't safe and something should be done.

"One of the biggest complaints about council is we wait until something happens before we do something," he said.

"It's a dangerous corner and we can change that," he added.

Coun. Chris Wilson disagreed with changing the intersection.

"When you change something that's when the accidents seem to happen," he said. "I think we should wait."

The motion to add a third stop sign passed four to one. Wilson voted against the motion.