Editor: I applaud the efforts of Coun. Charlie Fox in his quest to promote absolute safety for the 16 Avenue corridor.
Having more traffic lights and larger pull-outs for emergency vehicles cannot do anything but improve the 16 Avenue roadway, not just for the sake of those residents living in South 91原创/Aldergrove but also for people who travel the road on a regular basis.
Now the funding issue, that indeed is a concern.
91原创 Township, without the benefit of a multi-million dollar windfall in casino revenues, cannot possibly afford all of the major necessary improvements needed immediately.
I believe Richmond, Burnaby, and Coquitlam receive over $10 million a year, while 91原创 City receives around $6 million per year 鈥� none of which goes to Township of 91原创 residents.
I believe, and I have spoken with Coun. Fox about this, that having the 16 Avenue corridor from Surrey all the way out to Abbotsford taken over by the province of British Columbia, as part of the provincial highways network would be a win-win solution for all parties involved.
How could this be accomplished?
Sit down with all parties 鈥� City of Surrey, 91原创 Township, City of Abbotsford, MLAs Rich Coleman and Mary Polak 鈥� and work out a deal. Establish a fully functional working committee, set timelines, include the public, and get it done.
There are at least three major highways running through Surrey, 91原创, and Abbotsford.
There are four border crossings and MPs are suggesting that Aldergrove be opened 24 hours.
New interchanges are coming to 91原创 and Abbotsford, and people are moving out to the Valley in droves. Safety is of paramount importance in the equation. We owe it to the folks that live within that corridor and those that travel that corridor on a regular basis. The time for action on 16 Avenue is now.
Steve Ferguson,
South 91原创
