Thunder Bay’s five At-Large councillors facing questions about the project that would see a roundabout constructed at Edward Street at Redwood Avenue.
This has been a divisive topic within the city, many praising the merits while others feeling it to be unnecessary and costly.
In response, Councillor Peng You explains the $2.7 million price tag goes beyond what the public may believe.
“This is not just a roundabout construction, it’s about resurfacing, watermain, sidewalks, lots of things all together,” You noted.
The sole vote against the roundabout came from Councillor Rebecca Johnson.
Despite this, she says the completed project will be something the community will enjoy.
“This is going to be a beautiful roundabout meaning we’re going to have the Medicine Wheel on it, there’s going to be native grasses, it’s going to be quite nice when it’s done,” added Johnson.
Some of the public criticisms come from individuals who are uncomfortable using a roundabout.
The city has said public education programs will address this to ensure everyone has an understanding of how to maneuver the street when the construction is complete.
Others are questioning the merits of a roundabout, something Councilor Mark Bentz explained.
“There are many benefits that are coming with this, better traffic flow,” mentioned Bentz. “We don’t have any roundabouts here but if you’ve ever experienced them, you don’t have to stop at red lights anymore which is very nice. That’s one of my biggest pet peeves in Thunder Bay, stopping at every red light.”
The construction is set to begin early in the summer, and finish up by the end of October.
