City council supports adding a light along 67th Street so that drivers can get into a banking and commercial area at Clearview Ridge.
But some concerns were raised on Monday about whether drivers would want another light to stop them near Clearview Market Square, a new business area near 67th Street and 30th Avenue.
Several lights are planned or exist along Clearview Ridge, a neighbourhood west of 67th Street and 30th Avenue.
Michael Williston, transportation engineer for the City of Red Deer, suggested that having a light at 67th Street and Carleton Avenue would only lead to driver frustration.
Guy Pelletier, Melcor Developments vice-president for the Red Deer region, said the key is trying to make the commercial area a success and it would divert more traffic from going into the residential area through other intersections with lights.
Councillor Paul Harris said it’s important to see these businesses thrive, in part because they will bring in additional tax revenue.
But Councillor Tara Veer said she believes that 67th Street has been running as a ring road, and now adding another traffic light isn’t helping.
When the Garden Heights housing development gets underway on the north side of 67th Street, as well as a four-corner intersection at 67th Street and 30th Avenue is done, then perhaps the traffic light will be needed, she added.
Mayor Morris Flewwelling and Councillors Buck Buchanan, Cindy Jefferies, Dianne Wyntjes and Harris supported the extra light.
Councillors Chris Stephan, Frank Wong, Lynne Mulder and Veer were opposed.
Buchanan also raised concerns that one light, to be located at 67th Street and Carrington Drive, has not been installed yet. He said drivers from the neighbourhood are trying to turn left onto 67th Street without the light.
“I think that’s the one that’s causing me the most angst,” said Buchanan. “I am waiting for the fatality to happen.”
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com