COMMUNITY

In an interview with the Paris Independent, the County of Brant confirmed a pedestrian crossover will be built this year on Grand River St S at Burwell Street, creating a safe designated crossing. This initiative was approved because of the school boundary adjustment.

As for a solution for the hundreds of motorists that use that intersection daily, the answer isn’t as cut and dry. The recommendation from Council Report RTP-0178-23 is to explore the option of modifying the intersection with a mini roundabout. The timeline for this potential roundabout is dependent on the completion of construction on Grand River Street North through downtown over the next two years. The mini roundabout would be part of the reconstruction of Grand River Street South in 2027 It has not been approved by council at this time. One thing’s certain, the mini roundabout’s design will include pedestrian crossings, according to county staff.

Not everyone is keen on the roundabout idea, including Paula. She worries that too many people do not use them properly but she acknowledges that finding a solution isn’t that simple. She said a combination of photo radar and more police presence would help.

Paula has reached out to Paris councillors and submitted her concerns through the Brant Safe Streets program. She received a response from Michael Balog, Transportation Safety Specialist for the County of Brant’s Roads Department, that read: “This area is currently under review by our staff for intersection improvements. Once we have come up with a plan we feel is in the best interest and safety of all users we will be going to council for approval at which time details will be shared with residents requesting updates. I would be happy to share those with you once we have them.”

The County of Brant is continuing to share public education through the Brant Safe Streets program In the response we received from the county, they stated, “The program engages the community to create safer roads for everyone. Every motorist is responsible for safe driving and to help calm traffic.” Visit brant.ca/SafeStreets to learn more.

How do you feel about a roundabout at this intersection. Send us your thoughts and comments and we will share them in a future edition.