Region defers decision on Mount Albert traffic light after public outcry

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 27, 2017
By Simon Martin

The traffic lights aren't coming to the corner of Mount Albert Road and Centre Street yet. Regional council deferred their decision to build traffic lights at the intersection after residents in Mount Albert raised concerns about the safety impact.

The region is arranging meeting with residents and are deferring the matter until other options are considered.

The move comes after East Gwillimbury council passed a motion Sept. 19 asking the region to defer the decision on the traffic signal to permit alternatives to be considered and time for further public engagement.

A group of residents voiced their displeasure about the region's plan to build a light at the intersection earlier this month. Their concerns ranged from making the hill more dangerous in bad weather to the light doing nothing to stop speeders. "I cannot imagine a school bus having to stop on that hill in good weather, let alone in rain or snow. Please reconsider this choice," Rebecca Doner said.

Earlier in the month, York Region manager of corridor control and safety Nelson Costa said the region was still planning to install a light at the intersection this fall. "A consultant was retained to review the intersection and the recommendation to address the poor sight distance and pedestrian safety was to install a traffic control signal," he said.