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Group removes section of new signs

Covering up empty lot caused visibility concerns for drivers
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The Downtown Opportunities and Action Committee removed some of its new signing on the former Petro Canada lot due to visibility issues for drivers exiting the parking lot from Tamarac Avenue onto Highway 3B.

A few of the new welcoming signs that cover the former Petro Canada lot on Victoria Street were removed Wednesday after drivers complained the signs blocked their visibility when exiting the cold beer and wine store parking lot at the Best Western Terra Nova Hotel.

Prior to covering the vacant lot fence, the city adjusted the alignment of the fencing in hopes of diminishing any line of sight issues on the corner of Tamarac Avenue and Highway 3B.

“But after the panels were put up, we did receive some concerns and once on site we could see that there was definitely a traffic-safety issue there,” said Trail administrator Michelle McIsaac. “So in the interim, while we assess some changes that we might be able to make, we felt that it was in the community’s best interest to remove them.”

This corner was already a challenge for drivers, as the curve on the highway can make it difficult to see traffic coming and going.

The vinyl mesh covers, which were also applied to the former Esso lot, were hung up last Friday by members of the Downtown Opportunities and Action Committee. In addition, five trees 15-feet high have been planted in each lot.

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The $20,000 project, which is half covered by the oil companies, is the first initiative for the group dedicated to rejuvenating downtown.

Lisa Milne, vice-chair of the Downtown Opportunities and Action Committee, said the news did not dampen the committee’s spirits but instead the group is treating it as a learning experience and will now work toward coming to a resolution.

“I was surprised but it’s a necessary removal so that it doesn’t impede traffic,” she said. “The committee took that into consideration and had the fence altered and at the time we thought it was sufficient for traffic to go in and out of there.”