Recent History – 2000
June 1, 2000
By Mark Nielsen, Daily News Staff
Some changes are in store for Alaska Avenue. Pending approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Highways (MOTH) there will be some adjustments to the accesses and entrances in the area of IGA and Peavey Mart.
Council approved a plan Monday that will see two major changes in respect to access as outlined by director of operations Don Howard in a report:
– 11th Street entrance, east of IGA: The developer of Video Update has offered to provide an access directly across from Caruso’s Restaurant when he proceeds with the second phase of his development.
If that happens, Howard said the entrance at 11th Street can be closed, lessening the chance of traffic conflicts in an otherwise busy section.
– 13th Street entrance, west of Peavey Mart: Either the entrance would be widened, so that westbound vehicles do not have to turn back in on themselves when entering the parking lot, or another access be placed across from 12A Street with signs indicating access to Peavey Mart.
Howard said that MOTH has proposed a major intersection design for this location, but believed the effort would be too large and costly for the type of problem.
Howard said he could see no particular reason for making changes to the 12th Street entrance west of IGA.
“The only possible problems that may occur here would be if the development to the west of IGA would be a heavy traffic movement generator, such as another food store or a drive-in/drive-out fast food operation,” he said, adding that judging by past proposals, he doubt that such a venture would be located there.
Likewise, he said there is no need for changes to the remaining access location from 114th Street westerly.
Howard added that he thinks the retaining wall between the paved surface and the boulevard that was instituted in the Peavey Mart development is a good idea and would like to see the same type of construction incorporated in future development permits.
Council also approved Monday some long-range plans that would see the boulevard replaced with a concrete and rock finish complete with concrete planters.
Mayor Blair Lekstrom said the work would result in a boulevard that is not only attractive but easy to maintain. The other option, he said, would be to install a sprinkler system for the grass, which would be difficult.
“We are going to try and go with this low-maintenance rock-work similar to what the credit union has done and look at that,” he said. “That way, come spring, our crews will go in spray it off, and then you aren’t looking at ongoing operational costs as far as cutting the grass, watering, doing all that.”
But he cautioned that such work will not be happening this year. Rather it will be phased in. “Dollars and cents are going to dictate on the completion date, but I think it’s going to do a lot to bring that corridor to completion,” he said.
Council recently approved plans to spend $35,000 on installing a 1.2-metre-wide asphalt sidewalk along the north side of Alaska Avenue. As well, more trees will be planted there, while some of the ones that are struggling or have died will be replaced.