A proposed one-way road giving visitors more direct, safer access from Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum into Red Deer is drawing fierce opposition from nearby residents.
City of Red Deer may build a short road from the south end of the museum parking lot. It would then connect near the entrance gates of Heritage Ranch located just east of the museum. Visitors would then drive onto Cronquist Drive and travel into town.
About 20 people listened to a consultant’s presentation during Wednesday’s open house.
Peter Chadwick, manager of ISL Engineering and Land Services, said the road is one way so only those heading from Hwy 2 could use it.
Spikes, directionally placed on the road, would slash tires of vehicles attempting to travel the wrong way.
Nearly everyone spoke out in opposition. They fear the road will greatly increase a wide range of traffic on Cronquist Drive — a road with many upscale homes and well-manicured lawns.
With more RVs heading down their road, resident Warren Fertig said some people are worried about their children’s safety
“Which is more important? Out-of-town citizens or residents who have invested in beautiful houses?,” Fertig said.
But Tourism Red Deer executive director Darren Kuz believes traffic might decrease slightly because drivers will be unable to cut through Heritage Ranch and onto Hwy 2 where the tourist office/sports museum are found.
“In one week, there were over 77 traffic movements from those who illegally shortcutted,” Kuz said. The museum road gates would be closed once Tourism Red Deer/ Hall of Fame are closed for the day. “It’s a must for people who don’t know the city,” said supporter and Anders resident Leonard Larche.
North-end resident Paul Bill said he’d like some way where city residents could access the museum more easily instead of driving onto Hwy 2 It could mean a separate parking area and allowing them to go both ways on a different access road from Cronquist Drive, he said.
Howard Thompson, Land and Economic Development manager, said this public input will be heavily considered before a recommendation is made to council.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com