Penhold council has moved one step closer towards the construction of a new pedestrian crossing at Highway 42.
The crosswalk is proposed to be on a privately owned piece of land at the northeast corner of the intersection of Highway 42 and Waskasoo Avenue.
The town approached the landowner several months ago after seeing a need for a new crosswalk at the location due to continuing development in the area.
“We've identified there's a need for a crosswalk. It was also identified through the traffic impact assessment study that was done,” said Rick Binnendyk, chief administrative officer with the Town of Penhold.
The town has now agreed to enter into a licence agreement with the landowner.
“We were suggesting to purchase a sliver of land from him originally,” said Binnendyk, adding the landowner did not wish to sell the land. “He was willing to allow us to access his parcel (of land) and suggested a licence agreement. He did agree with that.”
The licence agreement was the landowner's recommendation, noted Binnendyk, and was the point of discussion by council at its regular meeting on Jan. 25.
“There was some question (whether) this tool was the best tool to get what we need to get done,” explained Binnendyk. “We said it's not the best tool for us, but it's a tool that will work. Therefore, we're acceptable to it and in agreement to work with the landowner because it is his land.
The pedestrian crosswalk will be built on the north side of Highway 42.
“(The crosswalk) will be a part of our summer works project for this year,” said Binnendyk.
Rick Binnendyk
"We've identified there's a need for a crosswalk. It was also identified through the traffic impact assessment study that was done."
