A donation by the Squamish Senior Citizens Home Society, now called the Squamish Senior Living Society, will enable the District of Squamish to add flashing pedestrian beacons on a Third Avenue cross walk.
The crosswalk connects the new Westwinds Senior Living building to Save On Foods.
The society will give $8,000 to the district for the beacons, an important safety measure the society wanted for locals and the senior citizens who will live in Westwinds.
Peter Gordon, the society’s board chair, had been lobbying with the district for improvements to the crosswalk for some time, particularly the traffic beacon. “We couldn’t be more pleased that district recognized there is a safety issue and is willing to address it,” he said.
Peter said the crossing will be used predominantly by seniors with mobility, eyesight and hearing issues. “We believe the availability of a button triggered flashing light will give our residents and the drivers the additional peace of mind for safety at this crossing.”
The District also plans to install curb bulges that will narrow the crossing distance and slow traffic as well as improve crosswalk lighting. The District is also planning to install a no-parking sign near the crosswalk to improve sightlines and safety.
Laura Modray, executive director of the society, also welcomed the district decision to improve the crosswalk and said the society was happy to contribute $8,000 to the safety feature.