THURSDAY
S I N C E
AUGUST 29, 2013
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Smokies score win in preseason tilt
Vol. 118, Issue 136
105
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PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL, MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALMO
Speeding concerns prompt petition
Cops will keep close eye on school zones BY ART HARRISON Times Staff
Near misses and wildlife behind request to slow motorists down BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
Living in the country may slow down the pace of life, but not necessarily the pace of passing vehicles. Fruitvale resident Ingrid Mayer is spearheading a campaign to reduce the speed limit on a stretch of Highway 3B beginning at Old Salmo Road going east half a kilometre. The plea to “slow down” from Mayer and neighbouring landowners, comes after years of near misses turning into their driveways and an increase in wildlife collisions in that area. “There are many residents along this section of the highway who are very concerned about the traffic,” said Mayer. “The problem is excessive speed. Safety has become a serious issue for residents and wildlife along this corridor.” Mayer began a petition to address property owner concerns with a request to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoT) that the speed limit be reduced and to improve visibility of wildlife crossing signage. The catalyst to petition came after a young moose that been habituating the area for a year, was hit by a passing vehicle, and had to be euthanized by the RCMP. Although Mayer concedes that speed may not have been a factor, more warnings of wildlife crossings might remind drivers to use greater caution. “This particular area of the highway runs next to marshy fields and Beaver Creek where many animals wander,” explained Mayer. “We are not calling for drastic measures. Signs warning drivers of ‘high impact’ (wildlife) and to drive slower isn’t asking for the moon.” A leisurely half-hour stroll down that area of road Tuesday evening was anything but relaxing.
SHERI REGNIER PHOTO
Ingrid Mayer, neighbour Sue Larocque and Mayer’s grandson, eight-year old Trey Baker, took a walk down a section of Highway 3B on the outskirts of Fruitvale Tuesday night. A petition is circulating to ask the Ministry of Transportation to lower the speed limit for the safety of residents and improve signage due to an increase in wild life collisions. Dozens of loaded semi trailers, numerous pickups and cars roared by, because the speed limit posted is 90 km/ hr. A “Slow to 70 km/hr” sign is posted driving west into Fruitvale, but vehicles rarely slow down, said Mayer. “The traffic is generally very heavy with an assortment of vehicles including ore, logging and semi-trailer trucks,” she said. “I have grandchildren who visit regularly and I worry about what could happen if one got away from me, in the blink of an eye.” Although Mayer lives in Area A, she has requested Fruitvale council to address the petition at its next meeting Sept. 9.
“The area Ms. Mayer is concerned about is not within village limits or under our control” said Lila Cresswell, Fruitvale’s chief administrative officer (CAO). “But I did forward her petition to the Ministry and council will consider her request for a letter of support at our next meeting.” John McLean, CAO for the regional district, said the petition has not been presented to the board or Area A director Ali Grieve. Until that time, no opinion or the matter to support the principal can be made, but the issue is outside the district’s jurisdiction. See POLICE, Page 2
A new school year starts next week and RCMP Traffic Services are reminding drivers to exercise caution in school zones. With school back in session, speed limits in school zones are reduced on weekdays, during regular school attendance hours, to 30-km per hour. Sgt. Rob Hawton of the Trail and Greater District RCMP, warned that speeding fines have increased in school and playground zones, from $196 to $253 and failing to stop for school buses, pedestrians, or failing to obey a school crossing guard will cost $167. “We will be monitoring as well,” said Hawton. “The highway in Warfield near Webster School might get special attention” The RCMP is also cautioning drivers that, if a vehicle is stopped in a school zone in front of you or in a lane next to you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian, so be careful and prepare to stop. School buses will be back on the roads and vehicles approaching from both directions must stop when warning lights are flashing. The police also have timely reminders for students and parents, as well, to increase safety for pedestrians. Kids are cautioned to remove their headphones and put away their phones or other electronics when crossing the street so they can focus on the road and see, hear, and respond safely. “Our expectation is that drivers will follow the law and obey posted limits, especially around school zones,” said Cpl. Robert McDonald, of the RCMP’s Traffic Services. “But we will be there for those drivers who can’t police themselves.”
No changes to Trail flights yet despite YVR strike notice BY ART HARRISON Times Staff
Travellers hoping to take a Pacific Coastal flight from the Trail Regional airport this long weekend shouldn’t experience any flight delays or interruptions if a work stoppage at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) takes effect Friday said an airport spokesperson. “We don’t anticipate any strike-related delays over the weekend,” Anne Murray, YVR’s vicepresident of community and environmental See AIRLINE, Page 2
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