Open Letter To George Darouze: Road Woes

02/28/2024

This is an open letter to Osgoode Councillor George Darouze from long-time Bulldog reader Howard Crerar:

Hello George:

As you’re aware, joining Parkway and Apple Orchard roads a number of years ago was intended to resolve a problem that didn’t actually exist. Unfortunately, joining the roads created a serious problem that had not existed previously. For example, one accident had occurred at the intersection in 11 years prior to the realignment and after the roads were joined at least eight accidents occurred within the next two years. Luckily, no one was killed.

I have noticed a problem that has arisen as a result of of the newly installed left-hand turn signal at Mitch Owens Drive and Albion Road that impacts traffic moving westbound on Mitch Owens Drive. Impatient drivers are now making illegal left-hand turns through the gas station on the northwest corner of the intersection to avoid waiting for the next left turn signal. This is very dangerous because many pedestrians walk from the pumps to the store and then return to their cars. Additionally, many car doors are opened and closed in the lot. The biggest problem with this is that if an automobile accident occurs in the gas station lot, it will not have occurred on a public road, causing issues for those involved. Additionally, there’s the probability that a hit-and-run will occur.

I have noticed that people at Ottawa City Hall, when devising solutions to problems, do not do an effective job when it comes to impact analysis. For example, if I solve the problem with solution x, what are the possible downsides. As councillor for Osgoode ward, you are ultimately responsible for solutions implemented to resolve problems within your ward. In the future, I advise the following approach – when you ask someone to come up with a solution to a problem and they return with their solution, ask the following question: “What other solutions did you consider and why did you reject them?” If they provide a poor answer to the question, then you can rest assured their solution will also be poor.

Anyway, a problem currently exists that needs to be addressed. Please get back to me with your thoughts on this matter and let me know how you plan to resolve it. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Howard Crerar

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