Jordan Huber would like to see a sidewalk constructed on a busy stretch of Arden Road so that her children could walk to school.
But, considering the ebb and flow of logging trucks and vehicles, the mother of four boys will not allow them to hoof it until the City of Courtenay makes the road a little more pedestrian-friendly.
Two of her boys attend Arden Elementary. A third starts kindergarten in the fall. The boys are not eligible to ride the school bus because the family is just shy in qualifying distance.
“I’d love to let my kids walk to school,” Huber said, noting the health benefits of walking.
However, she feels walking is not a safe option because there is no sidewalk on either side of Arden between Cumberland and Lake Trail roads. The road also lacks a white line on either shoulder.
“With a new development coming in, there’s still no sidewalk for them to walk on,” she said.
About two years ago when she raised her concerns with the City, Huber was told a study would consider speed and traffic on Arden between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on a school day. She is not sure if the study has been conducted.
She was also told one side of the road is City property while the other belongs to the regional district. At the past Courtenay council meeting, Coun. Bill Anglin said he is 99 per cent sure Arden falls within the City’s jurisdiction. He also noted there are two schools on the road.
Council instructed staff to report back with details about the matter at the end of April.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
