WEYBURN - The Little Discoveries Early Learning Co-operative, based in the Elgin mall on First Avenue, has made a request to Weyburn city council to adjust the speed zone area around their facility, due to dangers from speeding motorists.
Executive director Jennifer Fenwick appeared before council on Monday night to make the plea, describing the situation they have at their location.
The childcare facility has 120 spaces for children from over 60 families, with the children ranging in age from infants up to 12 years of age.
Located on First Avenue, their front door and parking lot face Bannerman Street, directly up the street from the Weyburn Comprehensive School, which brings an influx of traffic in the morning, at lunch and after school.
The speed limit in front of Little Discoveries is 40 km/h until partway up the street, when it becomes 30 km/h.
“We have found that there are several drivers during peak school traffic times that drive fast past our centre, from First Avenue to the school parking lot,” said Fenwick in the letter to council, noting there are children who don’t attend their centre who walk to the bus stop, and have to cross the street to get there.
“On numerous occasions, we’ve seen drivers speeding to get to the parking lot and nearly missing a child who may not be actively looking out for vehicles while crossing the street,” said the letter.
The centre is asking the city to move the speed zone signs right to the corner of Bannerman Street and First Avenue facing south, and one additional sign at Bannerman and Third Avenue facing north.
Mayor Jeff Richards said this request will be sent to the city engineer, who will look at the situation and feasibility of filling their request.
