It appears the Town of Qualicum Beach has decided to convert the current intersection of Memorial Avenue and Highway 19A into a roundabout. This is a well used intersection by vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. One might ask why?
The Qualicum Beach Residents’ Association board cannot answer that question. By unanimous vote, the board has requested town council to specifically explain to residents why this change was planned and how will it improve the safety at that intersection. We have read the town’s press release announcing a $1.4 million grant and the benefits this project will bring to the environment, to pedestrians and to vehicles.
However, none of the listed benefits require a roundabout. We are not questioning the project, we are questioning the logic of the roundabout. We do not believe 19A has a roundabout between Courtenay and Nanaimo. This would be a first. Our board members have spoken to many people and we have not heard much, if any, support for the Town’s roundabout plan.
We certainly are not traffic engineers, but we do have common sense. We do not understand how this planned roundabout will be an improvement to public safety. In fact, we think there is a potential to increase safety risks. If the town has answers to justify a roundabout at this intersection we would like to understand the reasoning. Our lack of understanding, that this was not considered in the Official Community Plan or the Waterfront Master Plan, makes us wonder. Does this roundabout plan make any sense? Does anyone care?
Lance Nater
President, Qualicum Beach Residents’ Association