A Hawkesbury town councillor who has regularly expressed concerns about traffic safety would like to see something done to better protect pedestrians crossing Chenail Boulevard.
At the June 23 council meeting, Councillor Yves Paquette said a few people have approached him about this. He said many heavy vehicles with loud Jacob brakes use the road. There is a sign telling drivers of those vehicles not to use Jacob brakes in the area. Paquette said people crossing the street feel unsafe and particularly mentioned the intersection of Chenail Boulevard and Race Street.
“Yes, it’s a challenge. A big challenge for people who walk often,” Paquette said.
Paquette has previously voiced concerns about excessive speed and heavy truck traffic on residential streets in Hawkesbury. On June 23, Paquette noted there are signalized pedestrian crossings with flashing amber lights on Main Street at Race Street and James Street.
Paquette said he understands Chenail Boulevard is a connecting link for Highway 34 to the Long Sault Bridge. He wants to make it safer for pedestrians crossing the busy road but knows the risks cannot be completely eliminated.
“We cannot eliminate it. It’s impossible,” Paquette commented.
Councillor Jeanne Charlebois suggested signalized crossings be installed.
There was also a discussion of bollards at signalized crossings.
Director of Public Works Jonathan Wilson said they cannot install a signalized crossing on Chenail Boulevard because it is too close to the signalized intersection at the corner of Chenail Boulevard and John Street.
Councillor Tony Tsourounakis said he often sees people disregarding the pedestrian crossing signals on Main Street.
“People don’t respond to them as they do with regular traffic lights,” he remarked.
Charlebois wanted to take a tougher approach with drivers disregarding pedestrians.
“This is a provincial road. The OPP can be there to watch the speed. They can ticket people,” she said.
Charlebois contended drivers from out of town are the ones not watching for pedestrians in Hawkesbury.
“The people that we’re talking about are people who live here. The people who are going fast don’t, and they don’t respect us. So, maybe it’s time we start doing something where they will respect us.”
Charlebois said the word will get out to drivers if a signalized crossing is installed and police are present for the first while after enforcing the law.
“I’m kind of fed up with these people that don’t live here thinking they can rush through our town,” Charlebois concluded.
Mayor Robert Lefebvre said he knows speed is an issue at many locations in town.
Chief Administrative Officer Sam Cardarelli said staff will prepare a report of feasible options for council to consider about making it safer for pedestrians to cross Chenail Boulevard.
