A pedestrian crossing may be coming to one of Orillia’s busiest roads.
Council will consider installing a pedestrian crossing on Coldwater Road West between Emily Street and Cameron Street during the upcoming 2023 budget deliberations.
With an average annual daily traffic of 14,000 vehicles, sidewalks and bus stops on both sides of the road, and a well-utilized dirt path in the area, council was supportive of the idea at their meeting Monday afternoon.
“I'm delighted to see the pedestrian crossing moving forward. That path going up to Park Street has been in existence since World War Two, and I know that because my father used to march his platoon up that hill with full packs on their backs,” said Coun. Pat Hehn. “It's about time we had a crossing be put in place there.”
Others agreed.
“The crossing guard I spoke to at this particular intersection mentioned … there are definitely some substantial needs there, so I hope that the next council on budget does consider that,” said Coun. Mason Ainsworth.
Coun. Jay Fallis asked what type of crosswalk, specifically, was likely to be considered for the site.
“The one that is warranted on Coldwater Road is similar to the one by O’Brien Street at the hospital where the pedestrian would have to push the button, wait for the walk, and then the drivers will get the stop signals,” answered city transportation technologist Lisa Dobson.
