Vernon officials insist a balance must be found between entrepreneurship and public safety.
Parents from Beairsto Elementary School urged city council Monday to reduce the potential pedestrian and traffic risk when a Tim Hortons and a Co-op gas bar open across from the school on 35th Avenue.
“They are all valid concerns and it’s something we need to look at,” said Coun. Dalvir Nahal.
“We want people to invest in businesses but we must consider student safety.”
Council has instructed staff to look at traffic flow in that area.
“Staff will provide a report on the previous school transportation plan and some of the suggestions brought forward (by parents),” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer.
Parents told council that they are not opposed to the development but want safety to be a priority.
“We’re in an area of high traffic and high density of cars. There are a lot of issues and adding to that could have problems for the future,” said Darlene Wood, with the Beairsto parent advisory committee.
The parents want a speed reduction in the area, traffic calming, a crossing guard, parking restrictions, enforcement and crosswalks.
“We just want to be smart about what’s happening and that it’s not impacting our kids,” said Wood.
Tim Hortons owner Dan Currie recently stated that crosswalks could be installed on 35th Avenue and a full traffic control light will be placed at the intersection of 35th Avenue and 27th Street.
