DIDSBURY - A representative from the Westglen School Parent Advisory Council (PAC) spoke to Didsbury council during question period asking about road safety.
Clark Cochran asked if council could remove the old crosswalk markings at the school as well as install a flashing light.
A new sidewalk and crosswalk were installed in the summer near the school.
“The PAC wants the old sidewalk scrubbed out because the kids who have used that for so long (still use it by habit),” Cochran said in an interview following the meeting.
“We are hoping to have a push-button electronic control to let motorists know there is a child about to cross. The lights wouldn't flash unless the kids hit the button to cross.”
It's confusing for the students having the crosswalks so close together, he said.
“The new one just went up this summer and it's attached to the new sidewalk that goes up to the school,” he said.
Cochran told council that there has been at least one near accident by the school and the PAC fears a child could be struck by a vehicle if changes are not made.
In other council news, council approved first reading of Bylaw 2015-10, which sets the rates, fees and fines for the town.
Council also approved first reading of Bylaw 2016-14, which is a land use redesignation regarding 2405 21st St.
The property is currently zoned C1 (general commercial) and the owners would like to see a portion of it (0.289 hectares out of 1.429 hectares) redesignated as R2 (general residential).
Administration feels like this zoning will reflect on the zoning that has been established to the west (R2), north (R2) and south (R2).
On approval of the redesignation the owner will be applying for subdivision of the newly zoned R2 lots.
A public hearing, which is set for Nov. 22 at 6 p.m., must be undertaken before second and third readings.
Meanwhile, the Didsbury and District Chamber of Commerce has requested $2,000 from the Town of Didsbury to assist with expenses related to the replacement of garland, lights and bows for the downtown core, as well as to dress those not covered in the past.
Coun. Kim Moore said that putting garland up before Remembrance Day was too soon and could be seen as disrespectful to veterans.
Margo Ward, president of the chamber, replied that they had already started putting up garland.
“We started on Sunday (Oct. 22),” said Ward. “We haven't completed it. It probably won't be complete until four days before Remembrance Day. We wanted to get a start on it while the weather was good.”
Ward said that they are just putting up the garland and that the lights wouldn't be turned on until after Nov. 11.
Moore put forward a motion, which was carried, to direct administration to return with a report to restrict the placement of garland on municipally owned buildings prior to Remembrance Day.
• Council approved the Fortis franchise fee amount for 2017. The fee will remain at 17 per cent.
• Council carried a motion to sign an extension of the memorandum of agreement with Mountain View County with the removal of section 21.
