The City is working to prevent further accidents along Hespeler

Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen says the city is well aware of the safety concerns along Hespeler Street and Council has been working since last summer to make changes.  

Cyndy Friesen, a trustee from the Hanover School Division, says the board is going to write the city asking them drop the speed along Hespeler and add a four-way stop at the intersection with Ashford Lane.  Goertzen says they welcome the division's input, but the unfortunate part is any road changes have to go through the province.

"We wish we had the authority to control speed zones but right now, that's in the hands of the province.  We have a meeting with them that will be taking place in January, but Council did take action back in late summer because we did see the potential for certain issues along Hespeler."

Those issues were reinforced Tuesday morning after an 8-year old boy was struck by a car while crossing the intersection at Ashford Lane on his way to school.  The boy was transported to hospital with minor injuries, treated and released.  RCMP continue to investigate the accident but it is not believed the driver of the car was speeding or not driving to the slippery conditions.

Still, Goertzen says council knows changes need to be made in preparation for the opening of the new Clearspring Middle School, particularly near Ashford Lane.

"Back in the fall, council requested a review of that intersection and to do a traffic count and come up with a solution.  One of the solutions they came up with is a four-way stop and that was done back in September.  So, that is transpiring but as we see incidents like this (the accident) happening, it is certainly concerning."

Goertzen says the city will meet with the province in early January and he hopes they can make the necessary changes before any further accidents.  The Mayor is also asking motorists to be mindful when driving along Hespeler, particularly during school hours.