Local launches petition for safe roads in Garibaldi Highlands

A Garibaldi Highland resident has launched a petition urging the District of Squamish to consider safety improvements in the neighbourhood.

Jessica Boux, who started the petition, says the district needs to engage all users on all of the access routes to Garibaldi Highlands, such as The Boulevard, the Highlands Way North and Perth Drive.

Boux has lived on The Boulevard for nine years and says it is one of the worst spots for traffic and safety due to it being an access route to schools, parks, the university and bike trail system.

“I have regularly witnessed vehicles travelling at speeds in excess of 80 km per hour and several near-hits. I have personally witnessed close calls with children at the crosswalk across from Jura Park accessing the elementary school,” she said.

The petition by Boux comes after a two-year-old was struck by a vehicle on The Boulevard at Highlands Way North on May 23.

Boux says the district should implement a speed zone of 30 km/hr on The Boulevard from Highlands Way South up to Perth Drive, down Perth Drive to Portree Way and along Highlands Way North.

This will create a safe perimeter around Garibaldi Highlands Elementary, Jura Park, and the common routs to the bike trails.

“I would also like to see raised crosswalks and speed humps along all these areas with immediate attention to the crosswalk on the Boulevard accessing the school and Jura Park as it is frequently missed by drivers even when the lights are flashing,” she said.

Speed humps are also needed between the traffic circles in the Highlands, she added.

Boux said she had full faith in the Mayor and Council and looks forward to them promptly addressing the community’s concerns on this matter.

“I understand that change takes time and money which is limited by district budget funds, yet making less costly changes such as speed limit decreases is thought to be some good progress in the short term,” she said.