Wabush wants changes to town lighting and parking

The Wabush town council is cracking down on traffic concerns within the community.

In the Oct. 27 council meeting, Coun. Jim Farrell revisited an issue outlined by former councillor Terry Curran about traffic conditions at the First Street intersection going into the Wabush Industrial Park.

In a meeting in September, Curran explained residents were taking unnecessary risks at the intersection and he feared there would be a serious accident in the area if the Town didn't act on it.

Install traffic light

He suggested putting up a no left turn sign and reducing the speed from 80 to 60 kilometres an hour, but in last week's meeting Coun. Farrell said he thinks a traffic light would be a better option.

He said he already spoke to government officials about changing the speed limit - they indicated it wouldn't be a problem - but some businesses in the industrial park have voiced their concerns about a sign impacting their operation.

"People in the park have to agree to whatever is done, so before we do anything we have to consult with the people in the park," he stated. "I think traffic lights should be put there. A traffic light would impact the flow of traffic and then people could turn left safely."

Change traffic flow

Wabush mayor Ron Barron said last week's meeting was the first time the idea of a traffic light was suggested, but he isn't sure it's the best option.

He expects a traffic light would be costly - Farrell disagrees - and thinks it may be easier to change the traffic flow by making First Street an entry only area and Second Street an exit.

Barron said there is a problem on First Street, but he thinks the Town needs to consult with businesses and residents before making a decision.

The issue was referred to the policy committee, and the group will come back to council with a recommendation.

"At the end of the day what we're trying to do is what is best for the community and what is safe," he said. "People don't like change, but this is a positive change."

Lights needed on highway

When it comes to lighting on the highway though, the mayor and councillor are on the same page.

Coun. Farrell said since there are new hydro poles on the highway, it may be the perfect opportunity to install lights.

He explained the stretch of highway between Labrador City and Wabush is very dark - residents have expressed fears over hitting pedestrians - and he'd like to see both Towns work together to light up the highway.

Barron agrees.

"Hopefully the Town of Labrador City will help provide this lighting because it's not only Wabush that uses that road," he said. "It provides a safe atmosphere. Hopefully it will happen in the near future."

Get off the street

The new council also talked about parking in last week's meeting, and Barron explained the RNC is issuing tickets to people who choose to park on the road.

He said Wabush has a 'no parking on the street' policy between October and April, and citizens have to abide by the rule.

"Those rules and regulations are in place to protect the employees and residents in our community," Barron stressed. "I know a lot of people are upset because it's not snowing yet, but it isn't just about snow-clearing. Residents who are walking often have to walk around parked cars - that can be hazardous to pedestrians with ice, snow and traffic - and kids could walk behind a parked car on the street and get hit by oncoming traffic."

Barron said people need to start parking in their driveways and though he recognizes not everyone has room for two vehicles, parking on the street is not an option.

Coun. Edna MacDonald said though she doesn't disagree with the law, people are questioning why the Town is enforcing it now when it hasn't before.

"We haven't done it for years because we don't have a full-time enforcement officer," Barron said. "Hats off to the RNC for enforcing our municipal regulations. I think the message is getting out there and hopefully people will stop parking on our streets."