Jeanette Koopmans doesn’t have children, but is afraid for those who do, particularly those who use Sandwick Park and the nearby area in east Courtenay.
Koopmans, who lives in the neighbourhood, says she has been concerned about the lack of crosswalk markings on Muir Road and Alderwood Place, near the park. The previous marked crosswalk was partially covered last fall as the road was being repaved.
“(Drivers) come around the corner and people just fly,” she explains. “It’s a really nice nature walk and it’s even dangerous for my 88-year-old father to cross.”
Some markings of the crosswalk remain visible along with the two signs on either side of the road, but Koopmans fears it is not enough for drivers.
Earlier this year, she contacted the City of Courtenay to raise her concerns, and was told painting the crosswalk is weather-dependent.
She says nothing was done, and called back a second time to speak with Public Works Services. She was told the city works with a contractor, and that it would be done soon.
“That was two months ago,” she concedes.
Anne Guillo, manager of communications for the city, confirms about one-third of the crosswalk needs to be repainted following road repairs late last year.
“Road repainting during cool or wet weather is not recommended - the road surface needs to be clean and dry for the paint to adhere properly. This is why the repainting did not occur during the rainy season last fall,” she says in an email to The Record.
Guillo adds the city hires a contractor to do a large quantity of repainting at one time. Due to the weather-dependent nature of their work, she notes it is difficult for them to provide a firm work schedule in advance.
“The contractor has indicated they plan to complete this painting project, along with all the other painting projects in Courtenay, in late June or early July, so we anticipate this repair will happen very soon.”