Municipal and Provincial Discussion Moves Forward on Intersection Safety

By Dan Guetre

As the years roll along, some headway is being made on options that could make the intersection of PR 210 and the PTH 12 safer.

Although not a formal committee, the RM of Ste. Anne Reeve, the Town of Ste. Anne Mayor and their respective CAOs have met with the Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) department.

“Recently, Reeve Pelletier and Mayor St. Vincent from the Town of Ste. Anne, along with both CAOs, Marc Darker and I, met with a representative from MTI about our ongoing concerns,” explained RM of Ste. Anne CAO Mike McLellan. “We were informed that some concepts for interim safety measures will be available for discussion with MTI in the coming weeks, and long-term conceptual planning should commence later this year.”

Residents have raised concerns about the intersection over the years noticing a high number of accidents, including multiple fatalities.

“In the fall of 2022, Council had requested that administration contact MTI for an update on planning that had already commenced surrounding this intersection,” said McLellan. “This is a continuation of these efforts, which also includes ongoing advocacy from our dedicated community members.”

“The RM and Town are awaiting communication from MTI in regard to both short term and long term ideas to increase safety at this intersection,” he added. “MTI is engaging in a design study to look at long term solutions for this intersection, which is planned to commence later in the year. This study will have opportunity for public consultation and feedback.”

In the meantime, McLennan says MPI has offered use of a speed board in the area to draw attention to speeding.

“The hope is if drivers are not speeding, this would increase reaction time and reduce collisions,” he said. “Additional supports are being explored which include driver’s education resources.”