Katie May
Northern News Services
Published Monday, Friday, June 27, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - City council discussed the possibility of installing traffic cameras at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and 57 Street or extending the Mildred Hall school zone to discourage drivers from running red lights.

At its June 24 meeting, council received a petition from the Yellowknife Seniors' Society with more than 300 signatures to make the crosswalk safer in front of the Baker Community Centre.

Zelma McCormick, a member of the society, was sent to hospital for head injuries in early May after she fell trying to avoid a car that didn't stop for her.

McCormick made a presentation to council asking for more signage, flashing lights and a lower speed limit in the area.

The city has already extended the crosswalk time at that intersection so seniors have more time to make it across the road.

Council has forwarded the petition to city administration to see about extending the Franklin Avenue school zone past the Baker Centre and about other measures to make the corner safer, including flashing lights and cameras.

Coun. Lydia Bardak also suggested the centre emphasize educational programs for seniors about traffic safety.

"Vehicles do run red lights all the time, so maybe that can be a bit of a reminder for people that the light is no guarantee that you're going to cross safely."

Riders to park for free

Motorcycle and scooter riders won't have to pay parking meter fees on Ride to Work day next month, council decided.

The NWT Riders Association requested a parking meter exemption from the city for its 17th annual motorcycle and scooter Ride to Work Day on July 16, citing reduced traffic congestion and less fuel usage as reasons more people should ride rather than drive.

All councillors were in favour of the request except for Coun. David McCann, who said the city should instead be encouraging more people to walk.

Niven Lake hearing: no show

Council decided to redesignate a parcel of land in the Niven Lake development from a commercial area to a "low density" residential area after no members of the public showed up to a hearing to discuss the issue.

Most councillors who supported the redesignation of lot 44, along with Coun. Bob Brooks, said the lack of people at the hearing showed a lack of public interest in having the lot remain as commercial land, while "there definitely is an interest for more public housing," Brooks said.

Coun. McCann and Coun. Wind opposed the switchover from commercial to low density, which would mean more single-family homes in the area. McCann said the city should mix commercial property with residential on the lot so residents can shop nearby.

"There's got to be an opportunity for impulse purchases of milk and bags of spaghetti," he said.