by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — Whitewater Region’s mayor is concerned a catastrophe is waiting to happen at the intersection of two county roads in Beachburg.
Mayor Mike Moore questioned if painting on asphalt roads would be an annual event.
Public works manager Janet Collins said Anderson Drive, which turns into Watchorn Drive, was noted to have increased, quick traffic once the condition of that road improved, as did Indian Road.
“They’re very high-travelled for the level of our roads, so that’s why they were painted,” she said.
Mayor Moore, who ensured Reeve Cathy Regier was listening, said there have been a few near-misses at the intersection of LaPasse and Beachburg roads.
“We may have to look at the county for bigger stop signs, perhaps a flashing red light on top of a sign,” he said. “There’s going to be a major incident there. People are not stopping.
“Maybe a four-way stop, I don’t know what the answer is.”
He noted people are not slowing down.
“They’re hitting the intersection and they’re flying,” Mayor Moore said. “If there ever happens to be a car coming across the bridge, somebody’s going to die.”
He added that the stop sign has been taken out again by a vehicle.
Councillor Charlene Jackson suggested the OPP be notified to police the area due to the high rate of speeds being travelled.
“The speed limit there is 50 kilometres an hour, and that’s back quite a piece on La Passe Road,” she said. “To hit Beachburg at that amount of speed, you’ve already gone past a number of homes in a built-up area.”
Ms. Collins advised she will send a letter to the OPP regarding this issue.
Mayor Moore, whose kitchen window faces Anderson Drive, noted that since the road was redone, people are slowing down some, but not a lot.
“The problem now are those vehicles coming from La Passe, which is where they aren’t stopping,” he said.
However, Reeve Regier, who lives on Anderson Drive, noted people are passing in front of her home, which is near the intersection of LaPasse and Beachburg roads.
“That is just like a raceway right now,” she said.
There was some discussion whether people should be passing on Anderson Drive, so Ms. Collins will review the Highway Traffic Act and bring a report back to council.
