CollingwoodToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letters were sent in response to the Town of Collingwood's plans for the reconstruction of Sixth Street.
I am writing today to express my concern and frustration regarding the decision to approve the destruction of 36 trees on Sixth Street.
After spending (up to) $100,000 on a tree canopy consultant and while in the middle of a climate crisis, the leadership of our town still made this irresponsible choice.
As a destination spot in Ontario, Collingwood should be a leader in environmental protection.
While Collingwood continues to grow, strong responsible leadership is needed to create safe living spaces for our citizens and nature for generations to come.
Needlessly destroying the landscape accomplishes nothing.
If the leadership is not there, the results of the next election will speak loudly.
Jason Rainford
Collingwood
*****
In this day and age, when everyone is so concerned about climate change and pollution, I think this council should reconsider their decision of ripping out 36 mature trees on Sixth Street.
This decision is as bad as when they ripped out the trees on Hurontario Street from Campbell to Tracey Lane to put in a sidewalk
Robert Stewart
Collingwood
*****
OK. It really is simple.
We keep the trees and make the road one-way.
Make the adjacent street (you choose) one-way in the other direction.
Easy peasy.
Carol Knox
Collingwood
*****
In regards to the Sixth-Street debate, I foresee some unintended consequences with the recently approved design.
In recent years, the Town of Collingwood adopted a policy of “pedestrian first” when dealing with traffic issues. Now it seems that cyclists have managed to take over this position.
I’m very disappointed that the residents on the south side of Sixth Street will continue to be left without a sidewalk for decades to come.
Expecting these residents to cross a very busy street in mid-block or at an uncontrolled intersection to access a sidewalk is unreasonable.
The likely result is that pedestrians will adopt the intended bike lane as their sidewalk resulting in conflict with cyclists.
Then there are the unfortunate residents on Sixth Street who will have to navigate their driveways while watching for not only pedestrians, but also cyclists, many of whom will be travelling at significant speeds.
Another consequence will be frustrated motorists. The recycling truck, service and delivery vehicles will now be stopping in a narrower roadway, blocking a full lane. This will make seeing around these vehicles challenging. Motorists will be driven to take shortcuts to avoid the resulting congestion, putting pressure on streets such as Fifth and Third. Council can then expect delegations from the residents on these streets who are frustrated with the increased traffic.
I have always found Fifth Street to be my go-to street when cycling between Hurontario and High Streets. It avoids most traffic and provides a pleasant alternative to Sixth Street. With some minor improvements, it could become an even friendlier biking street.
I would urge Collingwood residents, especially those on 6th Street, to voice their concerns to our elected officials to see that this design never happens and that “pedestrian first” resumes its rightful position.
Lindsay Lyall
Collingwood
