As relatively intelligent beings, humans are allowed to make mistakes while possessing the ability to learn from them and thus avoid their repetition. Unfortunately, this is not a hard and fast rule as evidenced once again by St. Albert city council and administration who are on the brink of yet another faux pas when it comes to traffic planning (or lack of the same) in our fair city. I specifically refer to the consideration of the closing of Villeneuve Road. For what it is worth, a public hearing on the matter is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, in council chambers soliciting public input that will not necessarily have much bearing on the eventual decision.
Some time ago, a similar issue arose with the development of the Erin Ridge North subdivision when, at the behest of the developer, council approved the closure of Coal Mine Road which provided a direct connection between St. Albert Trail and the Sturgeon Valley. The ramifications of this have since proven disastrous to traffic conditions in Erin Ridge particularly along Erin Ridge Drive, a designated collector of local residential traffic which has morphed into a rather major arterial road.
By virtue of our residence backing onto Erin Ridge Drive I (we) can attest to the above from personal experience. Adding to our dilemma is the infamous ‘calming measure’ of the three-way stop at the intersection with Erin Ridge Road all but one lot width away from our home. Beginning in the early morning hours and lasting well into the night we must contend with the unbearable noise generated by shortcutting commuter traffic along with speeding, stunting, continuous rolling through the aforementioned stop signs, and even gridlock during the afternoon rush hour. Despite numerous pleas and inquiries very little enforcement of traffic laws has been provided.
So, the question arises as to what the closure of Villeneuve Road will entail? While it could possibly mitigate conditions in our own area it is almost certain that it will create similar problems elsewhere. No matter what your position may be I urge one and all to attend the hearing which just might actually have some merit.
Murray Lambert, St. Albert
