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VICTORIANEWS Friday, January 10, 2014
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Victoria is taking steps to keep traffic moving during a major power failure
Sharon Tiffin/News staff
Municipal workers Don Shillington, left, and Don Davenport make adjustments to a new stoplight on the corner of Harriet Road and Gorge Road East, at the border of Victoria and Saanich. Traffic lights in the city, many of which went dark during a major blackout in Greater Victoria’s core last month, are gradually having backup battery power installed to enhance safety during such emergency situations. the size of an intersection. The units we are installing protect the system from power loss or blackouts, power surges and power drops, or brownouts.” At a cost of about $5,000 for one battery and installation, it will be years before all 145 of Victoria’s signal-controlled intersections and pedestrian crossings are equipped with emergency power. But engineering crews are
steadily covering ground, with plans to install batteries at another four intersections in 2014, Myles said. “When we finally get there, we’d like to have a battery backup on all our intersections. For this year, we’re looking at Douglas and Finlayson (Street), Douglas and Bay (Street), Blanshard and Bay and Hillside at Shelbourne Street).” Myles doesn’t anticipate
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Blackout proves illuminating When a bizarre blackout swept across the City of Victoria last month, traffic continued to flow smoothly through some of the city’s most dangerous intersections. The hour-long power outage Dec. 5 was the biggest test yet for Victoria’s streets operations manager David Myles and his team, who have been installing back-up Daniel Palmer batteries at key traffic Reporting signals across the city. “Currently, we’ve got three intersections with battery backup, capable of running for two hours with red-yellowgreen,” he said. Controls at Hillside Avenue and Douglas Street, Blanshard Street and Hillside and Blanshard at Tolmie Avenue are all able to regulate the flow of traffic during a power outage and can switch to flashing red to conserve power for several more hours if needed. The intersections were chosen primarily for public safety reasons using data from ICBC, B.C. Hydro and the municipality, Myles said. “Priority is given to areas where power outages have been more common, as well as
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another major blackout rolling through Greater Victoria anytime soon, but said drivers should still take the time to familiarize themselves with traffic rules in the event of power failure. “(Dec. 5) was a good test for us, because the intersections with battery backup worked just as (they were) supposed to.” dpalmer@vicnews.com
Coins for Kids 2013 campaign all wrapped up The coins have been counted and once again Greater Victoria residents have shown their generosity toward those in need. The Black Press-Greater Victoria Coins for Kids campaign raised $951.80 during the 2013 holiday season, with all proceeds benefitting the Salvation Army Stan Hagen Centre for Families. “This year we helped 1,500 families and individuals with Christmas food Kyla Ferns hampers and over 500 families with toys for their children,” said Kyla Ferns, Salvation Army spokesperson. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who donated to the Coins for Kids campaign. Every donation made will help us change lives in the community.” The Stan Hagen Centre for Families on Quadra Street in Victoria is a deserving recipient of this year’s campaign contributions, said Kevin Laird, Black Press-Greater Victoria editorial director. “Every day, hundreds of families in the Capital Region quietly struggle to make ends meet,” Laird said. “Stan Hagen Centre for Families connects local residents with financial, legal and emotional support throughout the year. We’re happy to support their good work.” The Saanich peninsula also held a Coins for Kids drive to benefit peninsula-based organizations. Coins for Kids, formerly known as Pennies for Presents, has raised more than $600,000 since its inception 17 years ago. dpalmer@vicnews.com
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