Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A primary function of government is to ensure citizens are safe. In my mind, we are failing on at least one front and within sight of this building yet. I am speaking about the stretch of Highway No. 3 from the Niven Lake access to 49th Avenue.
While GNWT and the city have argued over jurisdiction of this piece of highway and the costs associated with remediation and maintenance of it, an entire subdivision has been built and grown into a busy and vital community right across the highway. But thousands of Niven Lake residents have been left without safe, convenient pedestrian access to downtown, despite increasing highway traffic and narrow shoulders which increase the danger every year.
After seven-plus years since this issue was first raised, the Explorer Hotel is slated for expansion and another hotel has started development, further congesting this area with yet more traffic and destruction of some existing trails. This unacceptable delay has put the residents of Niven Lake, who commute to downtown by walking or bicycling, in an unnecessarily and increasingly dangerous plight. There is no safe time for pedestrian commuters between the Niven Lake access and downtown where so many work or go to school, but the situation is much worse in winter when it is dark. They are walking with parka hoods up, roads are slippery and windshields may be fogged. A proper walking trail or sidewalk and a safe, regulated crossing are required for safe passage of people walking with their children, dogs and arms full of groceries.
Encouraging people to live a healthy lifestyle, reduce their carbon footprint, leave the car at home and walk when possible are all legitimate suggestions from the government, but we must do our part and ensure they can be done safely.
Eight years of luck without an accident is blessing enough without prolonging this issue further. Another summer is approaching, with walkers on the shoulder, dashing across the highway with little protection from vehicles. Both foot and vehicle traffic along this treacherous piece of road will be increasing again. It is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt. I have suggested one temporary partial solution of a crossing light, but the Minister of Transportation was hardly encouraging. After almost a decade of saying no, when will the Department of Transportation say yes?
When will we do what it takes and make this walking/biking route a safe one for our people, both walkers and drivers? Surely for the safety of our families, and recognizing our clear responsibility here, we can come up with something workable in the time left of this Assembly for such priorities. Let’s not risk serious regret any further. Let’s act now. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
