PORT McNEILL—A near-miss at a busy intersection could result in the installation of a four-way stop at Campbell Way and Mine Road, depending on results of further research by council.
A pedestrian was nearly struck while walking in the lighted and marked crosswalk on Mine Road where it crosses Campbell Way, the first intersection faced by traffic entering Port McNeill from Highway 19.
"I've asked (RCMP Sgt.) Phil Lue for stats on that intersection," coun. Gaby Wickstrom said after meeting with the family of the pedestrian. "I think a really easy fix for the intersection at Mine and Campbell is a four-way stop.
"I know it's not popular with a lot of the community, but people come into town way to fast."
The suggestion may prove unpopular with some motorists, but it went over well in the Dec. 19 council meeting.
"I'm looking into it," said coun. Chris Sharpe, who picked up the public safety portfolio after being elected to his first term in November. "I'd like us to do something to slow traffic down before somebody gets hit. (A four-way stop) is probably not popular, but it's the quickest and easiest solution."
And perhaps the least-expensive, an idea that sat well with Mayor Gerry Furney.
"We probably need to get the blessing of the Highway Dept., especially if they're gonna be paying for the signs. Which they should be."
Council agreed to table the discussion while Sharpe gathers more information. It is expected to be on the agenda for council's next meeting Monday evening.
Emergency vacancy
Coun. Wickstrom informed council Port McNeill has been without a local Provincial Emergency Program coordinator since Chuck Lok stepped down from the post late last year.
Mayor Furney suggested council could approach Corianne Neilson, who succeeded Lok as the North Island PEP Coordinator last month, about reprising Lok's dual role as local PEP rep and regionwide coordinator.
"She's not interested," Wickstrom answered. "She believes it's too much for her to take on right now, and wants to focus on her duties as the North Island coordinator."
Coun. Grant Anderson said it could be useful to meet with Lok and Neilson to ask about training requirements for a replacement PEP coordinator.
"It's not inexpensive," Anderson said of the training.
Wickstrom said she has spoken with Lok and Nielson, and both are willing to attend a council meeting to discuss the job. She said she would follow up and see when they could be included on the agenda.