A citizen’s letter expressing concerns about Westsyde Road after a pedestrian crossing accident in December has influenced the City’s priority list.
In a reply to resident Anthony Pavick, Martin Kwiatkowski, the city’s development and engineering services director, said improvements to the crosswalk at Parkview Drive were already planned. However, the accident in December, in which the pedestrian suffered serious injuries, will make the project a priority to be included in crosswalk improvements this year.
The enhancements will probably consist of adding pedestrian-activated flashing beacons similar to those already installed at Rue Chez Nous on Westsyde Road.
Family literacy week proclaimed
The week of Jan. 20-27 has acquired a longwinded name thanks to the endorsement City council gave Tuesday to Interior Savings Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week.
Council made the proclamation after a presentation by local representatives of Family Literacy Week and ABC Family Literacy Week, Jan. 26 this year. The health of Canadian children is deteriorating as a result of too much plugged-in play and too little physical activity, they said.
Alzheimer awareness month declared
In response to a request from Tara Hildebrand, support and education co-ordinator for the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C., council declared January as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
Hildebrand told council that age is the greatest risk factor for dementia and that prevalence of the disease is expected to double in a single generation due to the aging demographic.
“It’s time for a comprehensive plan,” she said.
The society is gearing up for the 10th annual Walk for Memories on Jan. 27 at the Tournament Capital Centre. In its first year, the event raised $4,500 for the cause; last year, they managed to raise $93,000. The goal this year is $100,000, said volunteer chairwoman Marg Rodgers.
