Speeding around Henderson Elementary School in Powell River has been a longstanding community concern. The Vision Zero Grant will support the implementation of several traffic calming measures, including an all-way stop, painted walkway, painted crosswalk, speed humps, and curb extensions. This project is co-funded by ICBC.
Townsite neighbourhood residents and Henderson Elementary staff expressed their concerns about speeding vehicles near the school to city staff. From engaging with residents and the school administration, City staff learned that drivers often speed on Willow Avenue despite it being a school zone. With many school and daycare students arriving via Willow Avenue, speeding was a big concern for the neighbourhood and school administration. Willow Avenue has no sidewalks, so it is essential to ensure drivers travel at low speeds to protect students walking or biking to school.
This project aims to eliminate speeding on Willow Avenue and create a safe walking environment for students. The proposed measures are as follows:
These measures will reduce speeds, make drivers pay more attention to the road and improve safety for vulnerable road users. Where suitable, Henderson students will be consulted for installation details (e.g., painting patterns and colours for the curb extensions). The installations will be completed over the summer/fall of 2022.
The proposed traffic calming measures are the first in Powell River. We hope that the success of this project will lead to similar projects in the Townsite neighbourhood and beyond.
Photo source: Shutterstock. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.
