SOUTH STORMONT, Ontario – Ever since Chantal Bray moved to her home on Bruce St. three years ago, she noticed a problem with fast drivers in her neighbourhood.
“It’s not just me that is thinking this,” said Bray. “Every time you walk around in the community, that’s what people say; it is always the same thing.”
Bray started her petition on Sunday, Oct. 28 after almost being hit by a car that was speeding on her road. Bray has been going from home to home in her neighbourhood in her free time. Everyone she has spoken to so far has signed the petition.
“People are afraid,” said Bray. Bray is cautious when she is walking her dog and has friends who are nervous to walk in the neighbourhood, especially while pushing their child in a stroller. Bray said that drivers don’t move over to allow pedestrians more room.
Residents have witnessed their pets being killed by speeding drivers and are concerned about their children walking along these roads.
In a private Rosedale Terrace South Stormont Facebook group, many individuals have expressed their concerns about speeding drivers. Some residents have contacted the township in the past but have not noticed any action being taken to resolve the issue.
“People have gotten nowhere,” said Bray.
Bray believes that there needs to be more stop signs and a stronger OPP presence in the community.
“It’s supposed to be a community, but I don’t feel it is (because of speeders),” said Bray.
Debi LucasSwitzer, township of South Stormont Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
“People are continually complaining about the issues on these road and things have to be done, and they will be,” said Mayor-elect Bryan McGillis.
McGillis is aware of several roads that individuals have concerns with in the municipality, including Bruce St. and Marydale Ave. within Rosedale Terrace. He believes that there needs to be more enforcement on municipal roads for the safety of the community. McGillis also plans to review assessments made of intersections on Hwy 138.
To sing the petition, contact chantal.bray5@gmail.com.
