Criticizing decisions is apparently far easier than making the effort to get involved in the decision-making process.
There has been a lot of dismay and angst expressed over the three mini roundabouts being installed on Main Avenue. Some people even seem to be under the erroneous impression that the project came out of the clear blue sky.
But important to remember is this project was not deployed overnight on a random, inebriated, haphazard whim after being rushed through a hasty decision-making process.
Ever since Main Avenue's design was reconfigured in 2008 to four lanes from two travel lanes with outside parking lanes, many members of the community ó both businesses and residents ó have regularly expressed concerns regarding pedestrian safety and a declining amount of foot traffic going downtown.
Leading up to the work currently underway was extensive collaborative efforts among the Town of Sundre and Alberta Transportation, as well as local organizations and stakeholders such as the Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce and industry interests.
These are infrastructure engineers, municipal developers, and yes, even trucking companies that were involved in drafting and reviewing these plans. With, of course, a modicum of input from the community ó barely more than 100 residents responded to a public survey following multiple presentations more than a year ago.
Generally, the time to air one's concerns is during the consultation phase. Not after the tender has gone out and construction crews are busy completing the work.
The planning process for Main Avenue was quite transparent. The municipality advertised open houses and the Round Up covered the progress extensively. No attempts were made to obfuscate or rush the decision and the public was unquestionably provided ample opportunity to express any opposition.
It's rather interesting how some people apparently have so much spare energy and time to grieve and vent on social media, yet they could not have been bothered to get engaged during the consultation phase. Arguably the only residents who can legitimately criticize the project are those who did commendably get engaged from the beginning to express their reservations.
But at this point, the time to decry the redesign has long come and gone.
"So much complaining. I lived in another town where everyone complained about an upcoming traffic circle. Once it was installed, no problems," Sundre resident Tesa McKean posted on social media.
"Big loads have to have their own traffic control. They will be able to drive right over and nothing about them maneuvering through town will change. I think it's a good idea and I am both a passenger vehicle driver and a semi driver. Find something worthwhile to contribute your negative energy towards."
That's coming from someone who actually drives a rig. If semi operators such as McKean are comfortable navigating the traffic calming measures, surely those of us in cars, SUVs and minivans should have nothing to worry about.
And besides, worse comes to worst and the redesign ends up being reconsidered a year from now, at least the side streets connecting onto Main Avenue ó as well as sections of sidewalk ó will have received much needed attention.
Ducatel is the Round Up's editor.
