Rees To D'Aoust (More on Process)

From: Mark Rees
To:Pierre D'Aoust

Subject: Process City Must Follow...

Hi Pierre:

That’s what I “sort of” thought, but frankly didn’t know. I received feedback that suggested 6 months was too long to wait, but couldn’t offer much explanation in reply. Your note will help educate people on how city hall works...

This is important because the perception is that the City pulled the former pedestrian features out at the “snap of their fingers” because one day everything just disappeared. Consequently, there is a feeling that things can go back in with an equal “snap of the fingers.”

I’d hope that at the end of the day my efforts and web site will educate people to the fact that: (1) that you can go to your councillor and be listened too, (2) that getting involved can produce results and that (3) the cynicism people feel for politics and politicians is at times miss-placed.

If Michael Walker would like to communicate with the residents of Oxton-Oriole regarding our issue, I would be happy to post his comments on my web site.

Thanks, mark

D'Aoust To Rees (City Processes)

From: :Pierre D'Aoust
To Mark Rees

Subject: Process City Must Follow To Install Signage Councillor Request For Oxton-Oriole Improvements

Mark:

The process, as I understand it, is that for a traffic change such as this, a report must be generated and sent to Council for discussion. Michael Walker alone cannot change the regulations. While he will agree with the change, it is potentially possible that other Councillors will not agree and will vote against it. This is not likely, but it is a possibility.

Pierre

(Pierre: Thank you for helping us to understand city processes -Mark)

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker) Mark,

Rees To D'Aoust

From: Mark Rees
To:Pierre D'Aoust

Subject: Clarification: Councillor Request For Oxton-Oriole Improvemnets

Hi Pierre:

As a follow to my voice message of today…

In re-reading your note last night it looks as if you are asking for more studies verse actually implementing the “Stop” sign proposal s discussed

That studies were beginning requested on the “Stop: sign proposal was not my take-away from our meeting. My understanding was that Michael Walker wanted this idea to be implemented, not studied.

Before jumping to conclusions though can you please (1) advise me as to processes involved to undertake this implementation by April 2006 as requested by Michael Walker, and (2) confirm that we are indeed talking about implementation in April, not studies that could produce a “Yes/No” outcome, one of which leads to no action on pedestrian safety.

As a novice to community activism and the inner working of City Hall I look forward to expanding my knowledge on both activities during the lead up to April. In the meantime I would appreciate your assistance in clarifying the points above.

Thank you, mark

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker)

D'Aoust To Rees, Benjamin

From: Pierre D'Aoust
To: Mark Rees, Stephen Benjamin
cc: Chris Sellors, Dan Clement, Danny Budimirovic

Subject: Councillor Request For Oxton-Oriole Improvemnets

Gentleman:

Thank you kindly for coming to City Hall today to discuss the issue of pedestrian safety at the above noted intersection. As discussed, Councillor Walker would like staff to report on the implementation of the following:

• Installation of a Stop Sign for Eastbound/Southbound traffic on Oxton Ave.*
  
  
• Reduction of speed from 50km/h to 40km/h on Avenue Road, south of Chaplin Crescent AS WELL AS on the entirety of Oxton Avenue.

Ideally, we would like to have a 6-month trial period for the stop sign (starting around April of 2006), at which point we will request staff to investigate the effectiveness of the sign and to comment on whether pedestrian safety has been improved as well as whether traffic flow has been compromised.

Finally, as discussed in the meeting, the residents would greatly appreciate the installation of "Quiet Residential Neighbourhood" signs on Oxton Avenue as soon as possible.

Again, thank you all for making yourselves available to come to this meeting - I apologize that it has taken so long, but hopefully we can make some headway in improving the safety for pedestrians at this intersection.

Sincerely,

Pierre D'Aoust

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker)
(Chris Sellors is the Executive Assistant to Councillor Michael Walker)
(Steven Benjamin, Dan Clement & Danny Budimirovic represent Transportation Services)

(* Includes pedestrian demarcation lines, second request not posted - Mark)

Rees To D'Aoust, Benjamin, Clement, Budimirovic

From: Mark Rees
To: Pierre D'Aoust, Dan Clement, Stephen Benjamin, Danny Budimirovic

Subject: Oxton-Oriole Pedestrian Safety Web Site

Dear Gentleman:

Prior to our discussion on September 13th, I would like to invite you to visit my web site/blog at www.oxton.blogspot.com which captures the neighbourhood pedestrian safety concerns relating to the Oxton-Oriole intersection.

Over the past few months I have learned that local complaints regarding the Oxton road reconfigurations date back to 2003. I am sure you will agree that pro-active action on creating a pedestrian safe intersection at Oxton-Oriole is long over due.

Pedestrian safety at Oxton-Oriole is a real community concern! In reviewing the Action Pages – “Neighbourhood Emails” you will see that many Oxton-Oriole residents hold strong opinions as to negative impacts the recent road changes has had on their personal (pedestrian) safety as well as their quality of life (noise, pollution, volumes).

I look forward to our discussion the safety issues with you all and in presenting the Oxton-Oriole Safety Petition. I hope that the outcome proves positive for the residents of the Oxton-Oriole neighbourhood.

Regards, Mark

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