A traffic committee for the area known as the Arden Road Corridor could be in the works after Tuesday's Courtenay council meeting.
Council discussed the merits of creating a traffic committee – including residents – to address concerns about increased traffic due to development along Arden Road south of Cumberland Road.
"It's one of the most significant areas of the community where we have a lot of new developments coming in," Coun. Doug Hillian said. "I continue to hear concerns from people about the cumulative impact of these developments on the traffic in particular in that area."
Coun. Ronna-Rae Leonard agreed, and added that besides hearing traffic concerns related to the current development by Long-View Ventures, she remembered concerns during the public hearing process for the Piercy Creek Estates development. She also said it's not only 20th Street the concerns are coming from, but Cousins Avenue, and 26th Street as well.
Coun. Jon Ambler pointed out that intersections in the area are not perpendicular creating poor sight lines, the road is dark, there's lack of sidewalks, and it will be a "whole new load" on the traffic system in the area.
"So there's all these things I think need to be exposed now because that development along there is way different than it was four years ago, and so there's a significant change and I think now's the time for us to at least start looking at it and examining it," said Ambler.
Coun. Starr Winchester suggested having City staff make a report on the issue prior to setting up a traffic committee to ensure a better understanding of the issues and the number of complaints.
Council unanimously passed a motion for City staff to provide a report examining the establishment of a traffic committee for the Arden Road Corridor, which would include resident representation.
Mayor Larry Jangula said he was pleased with the way council is dealing with the residents' concerns.
"I think it's a sensible way to look at the problem," said Jangula. "We've identified it, we're addressing it and we'll take it one step at a time."
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