Lake Cowichan’s superintendent of public works has admitted that speed limit signage coming into town from Mesachie Lake could be improved.
Lake Cowichan resident Hubert Crevels has stated his concerns to council with regards to the lack of signage coming in from Mesachie Lake and wishes to see the speed limit at that end of town lowered from 50 km/h to 40km/h, similar to the entrance from the Highway 18 end.
“North Shore Road is within our jurisdiction but the province has South Shore Road,” said Mayor Ross Forrest at last week’s Public Works Committee meeting at the town hall. “I believe Mr Crevels phoned the Ministry of Transportation for further confirmation.”
Drivers would use South Shore Road to enter Lake Cowichan from Mesachie Lake.
Chief administrator Joe Fernandez confirmed that the lowering of speed limits would result in work with the Ministry of Transportation and it’s not something the town can change on its own.
“I don’t think that it makes sense to reduce the speeds on the main roads when the rest of them in town are 50 km/h,” said Fernandez at the meeting.
Coun. Tim McGonigle confirmed that a study was undertaken on the topic by superintendent Nagi Rizk.
“Our superintendent concluded that lowering the speed limit in that area from 50km/h may cause more problems,” he said.
After nodding in agreement with McGonigle, Rizk did sympathize with Crevels’ concerns.
“Coming in from anywhere else you can see the signs, coming in from Mesachie no,” said Rizk.
McGonigle concluded by stating that he “would agree that 40 km/h would be more appropriate.”
