Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula proposed Monday the idea of a four-lane roundabout to calm traffic at the busy and sometimes-troublesome intersection of Lerwick and Ryan roads.
He recalled an abundance of questions before a single-lane roundabout was installed at the Cumberland Road/Willemar Avenue intersection, but said no accidents have since occurred.
"It's time we do something," Jangula said at council, recalling discussion at an all-candidates forum about pedestrian safety at North Island College, which sits on one side of the Lerwick/Ryan intersection.
The addition of a shopping centre across the intersection has added to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Coun. Bill Anglin recognized the importance of mitigating accidents at the intersection but questioned if there is sufficient space to add a roundabout. Staff confirmed there is not enough land to complete the buildout.
Because geography precludes a roundabout, Coun. Jon Ambler suggests another measure such as cameras might be in order.
"I think there's physical things we can do to make that intersection better," he said.
Staff is working with police and ICBC to discuss the intersection and associated problems.
Coun. Starr Winchester asked for a staff report after city officials meet with both parties. Her motion was met with unanimous approval.
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