Howdy neighbours!
On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, right in the heart of our community’s bustling Farmers Market, Nicolle—one of our dedicated Civic Awareness Committee members—took a stroll through Mahogany Gardens between 3:15 and 3:45 pm. Armed with a notepad and a keen eye, she wasn’t there just for fresh veggies (though who can resist those BC cherries?), but to observe how many people were crossing the road near the market and to ask a few of you what you thought about the need for a safer crossing.
Let me tell you—we love it when community members take the initiative to listen, learn, and lend their voices to local safety issues. A big shoutout and heartfelt thanks to Nicolle for putting in the time to connect with her neighbours and advocate on behalf of all of us.
Now, here’s what we learned. In just 30 minutes, 51 people crossed the road at this unmarked location. That’s a whole lot of foot traffic—and not just folks grabbing fresh produce. Many were families with kids, seniors with walkers, and cyclists headed to the lake pathway.
Nicolle chatted with a dozen people and here’s the breakdown:
• Ten out of 12 were strongly in favour of a marked crosswalk.
• Residents like Eugene, Rose, Terry, and Julien highlighted that the current crossing options often have ramps blocked by parked cars.
• Others, like Anita and Sandy, noted that parked cars make visibility tough and that kids and seniors alike are frequently at risk.
• And of course, several of you mentioned that speeding remains a major concern—even in playground zones.
Why does this matter? Because civic engagement starts with awareness, and that includes identifying places where safety could be improved. Whether it’s a crosswalk, a speeding hotspot, or another local issue, your voice counts.
So, here’s your friendly neighbourhood reminder from me, Stan Benedek, and the whole Civic Awareness Committee team: If you see something, say something—by calling 3-1-1!
Your reports to The City help move safety concerns forward and ensure they’re on the radar for assessment and action. And who knows? Maybe the next time we take a walk through the market; we’ll be stepping safely across a bright new crosswalk—thanks to you.
Stay safe, stay aware, and stay neighbourly!
Stan Benedek
Chair, Civic Awareness Committee
Mahogany Community Association
