To the Editor,
City officials to be commended for new traffic calming on Lathom Rd.
A previous municipal petition from last year (May 2024), signed by 75 concerned citizens, sought traffic calming measures along the Lathom and Rex corridor. The results of city action are becoming evident.
Initial efforts of city staff and elected officials have seen the installation of a pedestrian-activated crosswalk at the intersection of Lathom Road and Gertrude Street. This particular carrefour (linking Blair Park to adjacent residential areas) is notorious for near misses of children and walkers.
The city’s initial response and heightened attention to this junction should be commended (with a traffic light hopefully in future official plans). The city has further erected two new stop signs and a crosswalk at Lathom Road and Helen Street. These control signs have already had a noticeable impact in slowing traffic.
Although there could be pedestrian-activated flashers also installed for the children, the addition of the Helen-Lathom crosswalk paint provides an avenue for school children to safely attend Alberni Elementary School.
While our municipal budget is admittedly tight, I am grateful that the petition was taken seriously and some efforts are being made. To all the local residents who signed the petition; to the City of Port Alberni’s elected officials; and, of course, our city staff, I say thank you. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Bryce J. Casavant,
Port Alberni
