Archive for October, 2011

Fred Armstrong, Manager Corporate Communications, provided Council with an update on the public meeting held on Thursday, October 20, 2011, at the Royal Canadian Legion Maple Ridge #88. Three speakers, Frank Quinn, General Manager: Public Works & Development Services from the District, Corporal Dale Somerville from Ridge Meadows RCMP, and Kate Woochuk from ICBC. Mr. Armstrong moderated the meeting.

Mr. Quinn did a presentation [PDF, 3.7MB] that outlined work that has been done to narrow 224 Street from a four lane to a two lane road, improve pedestrian visibility, and install visual and tactile aids along this stretch of road from Dewdney Trunk Road to 124 Avenue. He reported on the installation of a speed activated sign south of Willow Manor on 224 Street that flashes when vehicles exceed the 50 km/h speed limit.

Mr. Quinn noted that an additional crossing had been installed at the 224 Street and 121 Avenue intersection, and that it would be converted into a pedestrian activated signal in Spring of 2012. He also noted that Council had requested that this project be moved into the 2012 business plan as a result of the advocacy of area residents. Mr. Quinn told residents that plantings in the median along this stretch of road would be changed to a lower ground cover to further increase visibility and that other traffic calming ideas, such as signage and street markings, would be looked at to further enhance this stretch of road.

Corporal Somerville talked about the RCMP’s enforcement activities. Many in the audience were surprised to learn that distracted driving, especially the use of cellular phones, was the top enforcement priority in the downtown area rather than traffic speed. He spoke to the number of pedestrian incidents along this section of 224 Street, and again, audience members were surprised that there had only been one incident this year, one last year and seven since 2005. He emphasized the importance of being vigilant when out walking and encouraged citizens to report dangerous driving when it happened.

The final speaker, Ms. Woochuk, presented information on pedestrian safety and distributed reflective strips that pedestrians could wear to improve their visibility at night. She noted that rain and early sunsets this time of year make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, and encouraged citizens to wear bright colours when out walking at night.

Council thanked staff for organizing the meeting.

Mr. Quinn, General Manager: Public Works & Development Services, was asked about a stop work order at a construction site in the District. Mr. Quinn noted that a report on the incident was being prepared and that District staff had been working with the environmental consultant for the builder to ensure that project work could restart with all the safeguards in place.

In response to a question from Council, Jim Rule, Chief Administrative Officer, reviewed the policy on providing information to Council and potential electoral candidates during the election campaign.

Mr. Rule indicated that the Council members could ask for information though his office or through the General Managers at the District. When that information is compiled, it is shared with all Council members so that everyone has all of the relevant information on issues before them.

Citizens who have declared their intention to run for office are asked to direct their questions in writing through Mr. Rule’s office or the General Managers. Staff will provide citizens with access to any public documents dealing with their request for information. Staff will not do unique research on questions posed by potential candidates or sitting Council members seeking office as part of the election campaign. Mr. Rule noted that the public comes to the District seeking information on a wide variety of topics, and that staff routinely help direct them to the relevant information that they need.

Council requested that the funding of the Fraser regional Library is put on an upcoming agenda to review the background on this matter, and to affirm Council’s desire that the existing funding formula remain in place.

Ms. Benson, Manger of Sustainability and Corporate Planning, presented a report [PDF, 671KB] outlining the agreements that are required as part of the Maple Ridge Revitalization Tax Exemption Program Bylaw that Council passed to implement the Town Centre Investment Incentive Program.

Council moved this item to the Council Meeting of October 25.