Dozens of people came out to city hall Tuesday, Sept. 24, to hear council discuss the Highway 97/Johnson Street open house summary that was on the agenda.
Mayor Kerry Cook said in addition to the report, council received a petition containing more than 300 signatures and some new letters from local residents.
“In one letter residents are recommending there be no connection to Johnson Street to the Toop Road Highway 97 intersection, the traffic light signals at Carson and Highway 97 be retained as a complete intersection and improvements, and that a full and complete traffic light controlled intersection at Toop Road and Highway 97 be constructed,” Cook said.
Feedback has been considerable with regards to the project, she added.
Another concern raised by residents has been around jurisdiction and Cook explained if changes are being made to the highway, then the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure makes final decisions.
“Any decisions off the highway in city boundaries, for instance Johnson Street, is city jurisdiction,” Cook said. “Ultimately the goal would be for the city to work with the MOT to come up with the best plan because they have to be co-ordinated together.”
Council directed staff to set up a meeting with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure with an opportunity for concerned residents to hear information and ask questions and have answers provided.
“We need to do this as soon as possible,” Cook said.