A Peace Arch News article highlighting a blind senior’s call for more audible crosswalks in White Rock has resulted in action from the Semiahmoo Peninsula Seniors Planning Table.
A letter to White Rock’s mayor and council calls for the installation of more such crosswalks, and increased crossing times, according to Natasha Raey of Sources Community Resources Society, hosts of the planning table.
Raey said the letter was inspired by an Aug. 11 news article, in which Marie-Claire Letnick, who suffers from macular degeneration, said audible signals were particularly needed around the Hillcrest area of the city near the White Rock Community Centre.
Raey said the letter is being submitted in time for the item to be included in council’s agenda for its meeting in September.
Coun. Lynne Sinclair, who is a member of the planning table, has expressed interest in championing the issue, Raey said, adding it will also be on the agenda for the planning table’s first meeting in September “to see if there are any other actions we can be taking.”
“We have been in existence for three years to help people with just such issues,” Raey said.
“Something like this can help create public awareness, and help us make this a real age-friendly community.”
In the letter, while commending safety measures already taken by the city with regard to roadways and crossings, the planning table said audible crosswalks are “a necessity for our aging population.”
Among members of the planning table are funding organization United Way of the Lower Mainland, White Rock Library, Care To Call, Fraser Health, Crescent Gardens Retirement Community, Alexandra Neighbourhood House, Nurse Next Door, the White Rock/South Surrey Come Share Society and the Alzheimer Society of B.C.