Traffic & Schools - Driving us crazy!

Recently, I've heard from more than one frustrated parent about traffic while picking up their kids at school.  In particular, concerns about how much worse having the new francophone school along Quigley is going to make things even more busy and potentially dangerous - for kids and drivers.

As part of the approval process for that school to be build (and the land is owned by the school board so it's their call) the province had to go through a development process that included a traffic impact study.  The study looked at the expected student size, student drop off / pick up, current use, crosswalks, usage, etc and determined that the traffic and "pedestrian networks" will continue to function.  The only change is to add another cross walk.  So in short, the traffic engineers say it'll work.  I don't think any of them live on Quigley. 

It's frustrating and as we grow, so will traffic, in all town areas.  Another reason why it's so important that people follow the rules.  Like not speeding.  Which is a consistent concern along that roadway in particular.  It's one of the reasons I pushed for another bylaw officer in this budget, but I wasn't able to get enough support.

What the community really needs to offset the pressure is other road access to West Valley/West Terrace.  The plan for that is to have access to the north across the tracks and connect with Horse Creek Road.  A good plan.  But an expensive one. 

The plan to put this crossing in play is another 4-5 years out.  This crossing is not only needed for vehicle use but I was disturbed to learn how many kids from Heritage Hills cross the highway and the tracks to get to school!

We need to speed this up.  But it's challenging.  Not only are railway crossings expensive but will involve working with CP Railway.  And not to say bad things about them, but we're not they're highest priority.  This is one of my priorities in this term.  To find a way to make this crossing happen sooner, rather than later.

As Cochrane grows, so will our traffic challenges.  That's one of the reasons that we're researching traffic in Cochrane and trying to come up with useful changes that we can make to improve traffic flow.  Traffic will never be perfect - but we can make getting around easier - and safer.