Dear Editor:
I would never want to pit myself against the creation of a walking/cycling trail along the lake, but I must admit to surprise that it is next on the list.
No road or sidewalk should be planned for anywhere in Summerland until a proper and safe sidewalk is installed along Prairie Valley Road leading to Giant’s Head School.
Every day I have walked or cycled my children to school along that road, and every day I marvel at what an unacceptably unsafe, rapidly-trafficked highway it is.
It is unfortunate that our elementary school should be situated on a main trucking access to the landfill, but given the reality, it is all the more incredible that so little progress has been made to make it safe to get there.
I would never allow my elementary age child to walk along it on his own.
It is critical in these times that our children learn the art of walking. Walking builds the body and the brain, and contributes to safe air in our valley.
I don’t blame parents who choose to drive their child a few blocks to elementary school, given the danger of the road it sits upon.
We are doing good work in Summerland to make our streets safer to travel.
And I love the idea of a waterfront trail.
But the safety of schoolchildren must come first, when pacing our community upgrades.
Linnea Good
Summerland