This project will identify needs for and install road safety signage, and conduct community-led engagement regarding road safety for vulnerable road users.

This project will support Leq’á:mel First Nation’s continuing progress on their Vision Zero journey towards prevention of all death and serious injuries on our community roads. Road Safety has been identified as an issue as a new community daycare is close to completion and new bus shelters are planned for 2022, so signage to remind residents of children and youth using the roads will be beneficial. This project will focus on improving signage on community roads, particularly at or near the new daycare and bus stops.

The project is important to Leq’á:mel because it focuses on the safety of children in the community. By reviewing existing signage, strategizing a safe systems traffic signage plan, and prioritizing implementation, Leq’á:mel aims to reduce traffic related injuries in the community. To build a sense of community ownership around road safety, bilingual stop signs will be installed with text in both English and Halq’eméylem, Leq’á:mel First Nation’s Indigenous language. The new road safety improvements and signage will be incorporated in Leq’á:mel First Nation’s asset management program. Operations and Maintenance staff will ensure that these improvements are maintained and signage is replaced promptly if damaged.

The improved and culturally-meaningful signage will raise awareness of the importance of considerate driving and the vulnerability of non-vehicular road users in the community. Community engagement, including Chief and Council involvement in this project, will catalyze conversations about overall road safety in the community likely leading to future policy updates and more ideas for potential safety improvement projects.