THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019 VOL. A-75, NO. 14
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Motorcyclist injured, ticketed after crash MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca
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Crews work on the public stage under construction in Centennial Park on Monday, April 1, 2019. The stage is part of a multi-million redevelopment of Centennial Park.
Consultations on 100 Street redesign MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca
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Public consultations on redeveloping 100 Street in Fort St. John will begin April 16, the city announced. A major rebuild of 100 Street infrastructure and underground utilities is needed in the coming years, the city says, and the consultations will address improvements that can made to sidewalks, traffic lanes, street furnishings and lighting as part of a new downtown greenway. “This project signals a huge leap forward in our commitment to revitalize downtown,” acting Mayor Lilia Hansen said in a news release. “We know that underground infrastructure must be replaced and we want the input from our residents on this once in a lifetime opportunity to improve this major corridor.” A watermain break last summer was a sign that the time has come to fix some of the oldest underground infrastructure in the downtown, the city said. The greenway project will extend from 96 Avenue to 110 Avenue, and be completed in multiple construction phases, beginning at the southern end in 2020, the city said. Work will continue north as determined by engineering requirements, the city said. The city has hired MODUS Planning, Design and Engagement of Vancouver and Urban Systems of Fort St. John to host the intensive public consultations, called a charrette. The charrette will address the redesign, reconfiguration, and reconstruction of
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The City of Fort St. John released this concept drawing for a public fountain at 100 Street and 100 Avenue for a laugh on April Fool’s Day.
the street, and collect feedback from residents and impacted businesses about urban design, zoning regulations, transportation, economic considerations, and the environment. Three events have so far been scheduled: • Front Door on 100 Street Workshop: Tuesday, April 16, 6 to 8 p.m., North Peace Cultural Centre. This workshop is only for businesses and property owners along 100 Street. RSVP your attendance to 100street@ fortstjohn.ca. • Public Open House: Tuesday, May 7, 5 to 8 p.m., North Peace Cultural Centre. This is a drop-in session for the public • Design Charrette: June 11 to 15, North Peace Cultural Centre.
The greenway is part of the city’s downtown plan to build a more urban and community-oriented streetscape, and to increase foot traffic in support of downtown living and business. It will also build on the city’s transportation plan, the city said. The city hired MODUS and Urban Systems on a $425,000 contract to organize the charrette and provide a report to council, expected in fall 2019. The project, like all city capital projects, would be funded through the Peace River Agreement with the province. That deal was signed in May 2015, and will pay out nearly $1.1 billion over the next 20 years to local governments in the region for industrial development outside their boundaries.
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A teenaged motorcyclist escaped death but was ticketed after crashing on the Alaska Highway near Wonowon last week. Emergency responders were called to the scene of the single-vehicle crash around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 29. The lone rider, a 17-yearold from the area, was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to RCMP Traffic Services. The cause of the collision is unknown. However, the debris field was described as spanning over 300 feet, suggesting speed and driver inexperience may have played a role, RCMP said. The rider was issued tickets for no insurance and operating contrary to his driver’s licence class. The Traffic Services department notes motorcycles make up around 3.5% of insured vehicles on the road, but account for more than 10% of road fatalities. On average, 33 riders are killed in 2,4000 crashes involving motorcycles each year in B.C., according to statistics.
Emergency alert system launched MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca
The Peace River Regional District has launched a new emergency alert system. Residents can sign up to receive updates on critical events such as severe weather, road closures, and evacuations, as well as operational updates and upcoming public events. The system, through a software platform called Everbridge, includes all municipalities and electoral areas in the regional district, though residents can customize what alerts they want to receive. Residents can register to get the alerts to their mobile or landline phones, or through email or text messaging. Visit the regional district website to learn more and to register.
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