Mr. Nater feels that the majority of the public does not want a roundabout to be built at Memorial and Island Hwy W. I tend to agree with him as every person I have talked to has expressed that opinion.
Mr. Sales says the roundabout is expected to help reduce the number of traffic accidents at the intersection and slow driving speeds.
I am not aware of one traffic accident since the installation of the pedestrian traffic lights but I could be wrong. As for slowing driving speeds, I’ve lived near this intersection now for three years and observed that drivers do slow down as they near the intersection but they will do this whether there is a pedestrian light or a roundabout. However, once past the intersection drivers immediately rev up their engines again not only increasing their speed but also causing a lot of unnecessary and annoying noise and pollution.
I understand that when you get a grant for a project, those funds must be used for that project but does it specify that they must be used for a roundabout? Why not use the funds allocated to the roundabout for other improvements instead? Like putting the ugly overhead hydro wires underground and installing attractive street lights that can have colourful banners and hanging baskets like we have in town, or speed bumps to slow traffic and make it safer for the increase in people along the beach.
And perhaps also install at least three more pedestrian traffic lights for the visitor centre, the beach hut and the Shady Rest where many cross the highway.
I agree that a roundabout at the highway and Village Way is needed and hope funding for that will happen sooner than later. It can take forever to cross the highway from Eaglecrest to Village Way and this will only worsen in the future with increased population and traffic.
Louise Wall
Qualicum Beach