SooToday received the following letter to the editor regarding Sault Ste. Marie's west end.
As a life-time resident in the west-end of our once beautiful city (we’ll save that debate for another time), I am confident that my perspective not only speaks to how I am feeling, but also for many others that have watched the changes over the years, and have felt the impacts.
The west end was once a thriving part of our community, and we have been pleased with the progress to revitalize the area. Although many memories were made at the McMeeken, it was exciting to see a new twin-pad being built, along with the beautiful NCC building. The Manzo pool has always been a destination for kids on bikes, and the new splash pad has been a great addition. We love that city council is working to bring life back to this area.
It is rumored that an A&W and Wendy’s is scheduled to open west of Korah Rd, which if true, is great news for west enders. I mean, who wants to drive “all the way” to Great Northern Rd at 1 a.m. for a burger, right? We are growing and we are ready to grow. We also have some great mom and pop places as well, many in the area have visited DeLuca’s, and of course, Millie’s continues to be a trusted staple in all our lives!
Which is why the discussion around traffic flow is necessary and merits all of our attention and action. The major impact of some recent decisions on not only to those living in the area, but to those using Second Line and Wallace Terrace as they are the two main arteries, has not been received well so far and looks to be getting worse.
Of course, safety needs to be everyone’s main priority, with comfort and ease being close seconds, both are very important. As City Council works towards our community’s sustainable growth, I believe it is necessary to ensure all areas of the city are safe, without further exacerbating issues such as prolonged delays, frequent congestions, and heightened risk of accidents, particularly for our most vulnerable members. Ie. Children walking or biking to the pool/splash-pad, schools, arenas, corner stores.
I know that I speak with certainty that many of us living in the west end are grateful that Council has agreed to do a traffic study for the Wallace Terr/Goulais Ave intersection. However, we would much prefer that Council would acknowledge the expertise of the constituents that use this intersection, especially during peak hours (shift change at the plant), and that are watching the growth of the area, and allow it to guide their decisions moving forward. We are not resisting change, we are resisting danger, and the stress we all foresee by removing these lights. Please, leave the lights on.
April McBride
Sault Ste. Marie