APPLES FOR DINNER TRY CHEDDAR PUFFS FOR A SAVOURY TWIST {page 17}
HYLAND VS. GLEEKS RED-CARPET BURN STARTS TWITTER WAR WITH FANS {page 15}
EDMONTON
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 www.metronews.ca News worth sharing.
Goal. Celebration
Speaking up on slowing down City council soon to hear survey results on speed-limit pilot More than 2,000 residents interviewed via phone in July, August HEATHER MCINTYRE
@METRONEWS.CA
Residents slowing down in six city neighbourhoods for more than a year were recently asked whether they want to keep their foot on the brake or put it back on the gas pedal. A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h from 50 km/h was implemented in May 2010 as part of a six-month pilot program, and the city hired a consultant to survey more than 2,000 residents this summer. “In Woodcroft, it’s a clear indication of what they want to do,” said city transportation boss Bob Boutilier. “Others are relatively close.” In Woodcroft, 78 per cent said
Beverly Heights Edmonton Oilers Martin Marincin, left, and Linus Omark, right, congratulate teammate Magnus Paajarvi on his goal during second-period pre-season hockey in Edmonton yesterday.
50% want to remain at 40km/h. 44% want to return to 50km/h. 6% are undecided.
they’d prefer the lower limit. “It all has to do with reaction time and giving drivers an opportunity to stop if they see a child,” said resident Patricia Grell, who would actually prefer 30km/h. Program results show that five of the six communities saw a reduction in collisions and all six saw speed reductions. In Beverly Heights, a nearly 50-50 split on speed doesn’t surprise resident George Karbonik. “The people that are on the main routes definitely want the 40,” he said. “The people that are off the main routes, and the further off they are, they moreso want the 50.” Kathy Morrison lives along 114 Avenue and likes the reduced speed. “When it’s 40, most cars are
Ottewell 59% want to remain to 40km/h. 38% want to return to 50km/h. 3% are undecided.
JOHN ULAN/THE CANADIAN PRESS
Hockey’s back in town The Minnesota Wild’s Jared Spurgeon scored a pair of goals, including the power-play winner with 1:46 remaining in the third period, as the Wild beat an Oilers split squad 4-3. More coverage, page 20.
King Edward Park 74% want to remain at 40km/h. 21% want to return to 50km/h. 5% are undecided.
Twin Brooks 51% want to remain at 40km/h. 45% want to return to 50km/h. 4% are undecided.
going 50, and when it’s 50, most cars are going 60,” she said. Council will make the ultimate decision on each neighbourhood. A council committee will first discuss the report Oct. 4. Telephone interviews were completed with 2,044 people over the age of 18 in July and August. When asked if aware of the pilot program, more than 90 per cent were, on average. Neighbourhoods were selected for the pilot based on age, location and the way they were built. Some had brought up speeding issues in the past, transportation manager Bob Boutilier said. More coverage {page 4}
Westridge/WolfWillow Oleskiw 44% want to remain at 40km/h. 53% want to return to 50km/h. 3% are undecided.
Woodcroft 78% want to remain at 40km/h. 14% want to return to 50km/h. 8% are undecided.