Canada Avenue needs work.
Officials with both the Municipality of North Cowichan and the City of Duncan know it.
At its meeting on Sept. 5, North Cowichan’s council decided to defer construction of the Canada Avenue southbound bike lane and Friendship Trail projects and instead work with the city to develop a complete street design on the major thoroughfare from Evans Street to its terminus at the Sherman Road roundabout.
Residents didn’t hesitate to speak up on the Citizen‘s Facebook page after a story detailing future plans was posted.
“Some brand new potholes,” joked Kerry Nobbs.
“Deal with the annual flooding problem,” offered Jill Pearce.
“No left turn in the RCMP detachment, use the roundabout and make a right,” suggested Doug Opie Williams.
SEE RELATED: Major upgrades planned for Duncan’s Canada Avenue
Angel Antoine called for simple changes at James Street and Canada Avenue.
“Intersection light or roundabout at the James Street-Canada Avenue intersection,” she suggested.
“More roundies?” wondered Brent Devlin.
Crystal Lynn Weaver ran with the idea.
“Roundies for everyone! You get a roundy, and you get a roundy, and you get a roundy!!!” she exclaimed a la Oprah circa 2004.
“They are the best thing to have in towns, especially ones like ours! People just need led to learn to use them,” noted Mitch Van Kesteren.
Traffic circles aside, several readers called for both Canada Avenue and Duncan Street to become one-way streets. Many comments called for changes at the south end of Canada Avenue (where it meets Trunk Road) but that’s not the area being considered by the councils.
Others had very specific ideas.
“Slow the traffic down and two lanes each way. Put in proper sidewalks wide and smooth enough for motorized wheelchairs on both sides of the road,” wrote Gail Kotyluk.
“Canada Avenue one way south and Duncan street one way north. Lights at James and Canada. The last time Canada Avenue was ‘fixed’ it turned into a joke. Maybe hire an engineer that knows something,” added Doug Kitchen.
Pam Fredrickson offered up an all encompassing solution.
“Start all over again,” she wrote. “It’s ruined.
According to a staff report, the concept for the major upgrades will be based on “complete streets” designs that allow for safe travel by those walking, cycling, driving automobiles, riding public transportation and using mobility aids.
“Design outcomes would include a widening of Canada Ave. and replacement and widening of the Holmes Creek bridges; an on-road protected bike way and sidewalk replacement; and the installation of crosswalks on James Street and other crossing improvements,” said a report.
READ MORE: North Cowichan cancels new trail
