Osoyoos Town staff say jaywalking has increased since crosswalks and stop lines were relocated on Main Street last year, and the installation of bollards at three intersections will help improve pedestrian safety. (Town of Osoyoos)

Vanessa Broadbent

Osoyoos Times

In an effort to cut down on jaywalking on Main Street, the Town of Osoyoos is installing bollards to direct foot traffic.

Last year, crosswalks and vehicle stop lines were relocated and bump-outs installed at three intersections on Main Street.

However, pedestrians continue to cross the street where the former crossings were, senior planner Don McArthur told council.

“In order to ensure pedestrian safety, the installation of bollards is needed to steer people toward the new crosswalks and prevent vehicular-pedestrian collisions,” he said.

In total, approximately 20 bollards will be installed – between three and five on every corner. Half will have LED lighting to improve safety.

The project is expected to cost $43,000, taken from the Town’ Resort Municipality Initiative funding.

• Read more: Main Street, Kingfisher construction projects nearing completion

Councillor C.J. Rhodes shared his support for the project.

“I really like this,” he said. “These bollards are really attractive and they’ll improve the safety of every one of those intersections.”

However, Coun. Brian Harvey didn’t agree.

“People are people and herding them like cattle is folly and we should move the stop lines back to where they were before.”

But McArthur said moving the stop lines back isn’t being considered.

“The stop line was moved forward to make the intersection safer for drivers and also for pedestrians,” he said.

“There’s no thought to moving the stop lines back at this time. It would make it difficult for drivers to see around the corners if that was to occur.”

If jaywalking continues after the bollards are installed, McArthur said chains will be added.

“We’re hoping that chains won’t be required and that people will move to the crosswalks without them.”

There are also plans to add planters and street furniture in the future.