Since the Erin Ridge Residents’ Action Committee (ERRAC) made significant contributions to the public consultation process surrounding the Erin Ridge Traffic Study, commissioned by the City of St. Albert, we have been eagerly awaiting the final report from administration to council.
Although at first glance it may appear impressive, closer examination reveals several flaws in the planned actions some of which beyond being ineffective may actually prove to be detrimental if implemented. Many, if not all of the solutions provided, are of a simplistic textbook nature not befitting those expected from supposed traffic experts whose firm has been paid several thousands of dollars to assess the situation.
One could attribute the preceding comments as reflecting a pervasive negative mindset and bias on the part of ERRAC and those whom it represents. This may be true to some extent but only because the report continues to underline the historical intransigence of the city administration and council which we have experienced over the course of the past year.
Simply put, the report continues the vain attempt of “forcing a square peg into a round hole”. It is unlikely that any such traffic mitigation would be given serious thought if not for the unwise decision to construct a school at this location, the motivation for which is nothing more than pure political gain at the public’s expense. The fact that such mitigations are necessary at all underscores the inappropriateness and downright dangers of the site.
With the collapse of the provincial PC party’s much-vaunted P-3 school construction program, the resulting delay in the original timeline presents the opportunity for reconsideration. The “fly in that ointment” is that it would require the decision makers to bravely take responsibility for the mistake and seek a proper alternative. We can only hold our breath on that one!
Murray Lambert (ERRAC), St. Albert
