A $20,000 provincial grant is coming the District of Houston’s way to identify areas where improvements are needed to increase pedestrian safety.
The grant was applied for at the start of the year and the announcement the application was successful came May 14.
“The district currently has a number of high risk intersections/unauthorized crossings in which pedestrians are at risk daily when they attempt to cross,” said corporate services director Karen Hogstead outlined in a January 2024 memo to council concerning the application.
“By indentifying potential hazards and implementing safety measures such as crosswalks, traffic signals and signage, these plans aim to reduce accidents and injuries involving pedestrians.”
The grant comes under the provincial Vision Zero program whereby the province and regional health authorities provide money for projecs to improve road safety.
In the northwest, Houston was one of several communities to receive money:
- Prince Rupert is getting $11,640 for a pedestrian bump out so that vehicles are aware of the presence of a crosswalk.
- Glen Vowell in the Hazeltons is getting $20,000 for build a one kilometre walking trail that is separate from an existing road. It will also have lights and signage in the Gitxsan language.
- Kispiox in the Hazeltons is getting $20,000 to subsidize driver training and to clear trees from a roadway so drivers have a clearer view.
- Four radar speed signs are to be installed in Stewart at a cost of $20,000. They’ll be in areas of high vehicle traffic volume. Cross walks will also be repainted.