Osoyoos RCMP Const. Sheldon Herman. (Richard McGuire photo)
Do you know of roadways in Osoyoos where poor signage, poor design or lack of safety devices cause a traffic safety hazard?
If so, a newly resurrected traffic safety committee involving the RCMP, Town of Osoyoos and possibly a Ministry of Transportation official is prepared to listen.
Already the committee, which had its first meeting last Thursday, has identified several problem areas that are being addressed.
You know that school zone speed limit sign on 89th Street that’s partly hiding behind a fence at the Splash Park? That’s being relocated this week to extend the school zone and make it more visible.
Ever tried to make a turn off Osprey Place onto 62nd Avenue, hoping and praying that another vehicle isn’t ripping up the hill on 62nd as you enter that blind intersection?
RCMP Constable Sheldon Herman experienced that one personally. As the RCMP representative on the committee, he brought forward his concerns and now a traffic mirror will be placed there.
“I’ve nearly been T-boned three times,” Herman said of that intersection.
The committee is prepared to consider traffic mirrors for other blind corners as well, along with improved signage for safety, he added.
“Anything to help prevent collisions, pedestrian strikes, things like that,” he said.
Jim Dinwoodie, director of operational services with the town, who also sits on the committee, said he’s been in talks with residents who live on Lakeshore Drive near Goodman Park, who are concerned about the speed some drivers go on that corner. The committee is looking at solutions.
Also representing the town are Barry Romanko, chief administrative officer, and Alain Cunningham, director of planning and development.
Dinwoodie said the committee has existed in the past, but it fell dormant as people retired or moved to new positions.
Not all roads in Osoyoos come under town jurisdiction. Main Street is considered part of Highway 3. Along with Highway 97, these roads are the responsibility of the provincial Ministry of Transportation.
Dinwoodie said concerns about the two highways, including Main Street, can be brought to the committee, but the province would need to approve any changes.
For that reason, he expects a provincial representative to come to the monthly committee meetings when available.
Herman said the committee is also looking at trying to get ICBC to fund some of the improvements that can reduce collisions.
“Most importantly, if people of the community have any suggestions or comments, please send their requests,” Herman said.
He suggests people can direct comments to his attention at the Osoyoos RCMP Detachment. Dinwoodie said people can also submit comments through the Town of Osoyoos. For proper tracking, it is best if people file a comment form at town hall, he said.
The traffic safety council is not the only initiative Const. Herman has been involved with since joining the Osoyoos RCMP Detachment recently.
In June, the Osoyoos RCMP started a Business Watch program, based on an idea Herman presented to Cpl. Jason Bayda.
When RCMP officers have time, they do foot patrols in the downtown and drive to other commercial areas. During these patrols, police check business doors to ensure they are locked and secure.
If a safety concern is noted, they follow up with the business the next day. The officer leaves a card at the business to indicate that it has been checked.
“When time allows, I try to hit the different areas of the town,” said Herman.
Last week on a slow night he said he covered the entire downtown, leaving a card at each business.
“I haven’t found anything yet, but people like to know that someone is watching out for them,” Herman said.
Cpl. Bayda said the RCMP meets each year with members of town council to establish goals and priorities.
“This year I really wanted out members to increase our police visibility as well as work towards reducing crimes,” said Bayda. “I have tasked our members to come up with initiatives to help us reach these goals. Cst. Herman is new to our detachment and along with the other members, has brought forward some great initiatives. I’m pleased with the work all of our members are doing.”
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
A vehicle ahead turns off Osprey Place just as another vehicle is driving up the hill to the blind intersection on 62nd Ave. There are plans to add a traffic mirror so vehicles turning off Osprey can see vehicles approaching them coming up the hill. (Richard McGuire photo)
This sign on 89th Street warns of a school zone, but the sign is behind and partially obscured by a fence. It’s being replaced this week. (Richard McGuire photo)
Not all drivers take the bend on Lakeshore Drive by Goodman Park as slowly as this driver did. Local residents are concerned by the speed some vehicles travel. (Richard McGuire photo)
Vehicles turning onto 62nd Avenue from Osprey Place are blind to traffic coming up the hill on 62nd Avenue. And some drivers travel too fast. Only at the last second does a vehicle leaving Osprey see a vehicle coming up the hill. A traffic mirror will allow drivers on Osprey to see what is coming up the hill. (Richard McGuire photo)
