The Editor,
In the 1970s when we moved to Coquitlam, there were two stop signs at Foster Avenue and Gatensbury Street, one in each direction.
Today, there are five stop signs to accommodate the traffic at this intersection.
For many of those years, our traffic department had a fellow who was a hands on type and, on my way to work, he’d already be sitting in his car taking note of various intersections.
I say this because I am troubled by the decision to give the OK to the highrise at Lougheed and Blue Mountain. I would wager there are many who have been caught in the middle of this location as a jam of cars fails to navigate the turn at the bottom of Blue Mountain to get to Highway 1.
Another point is that within one block, there are a total of eight traffic lights with the addition of left-hand turns. Now, you add to that the fact that this new highrise will need left hand turns for those heading north on Blue Mountain — you see the problem.
I believe, for the most part, that we have a good city council and an amazing city manager, but sometimes we all miss the boat. The new Fraser Mills community of many thousands is coming only a few blocks southeast of this troubled intersection.
So this is why my memory brought me back to the young man who, early in the morning, rain or shine, was taking careful note of what is needed to keep our community safe. It’s all about looking to the future.
Brian Robinson
Coquitlam
