Nearly two weeks after an eight-year-old girl and her grandmother were struck by a vehicle in a North York neighborhood, local residents are voicing their concerns regarding the safety of the crosswalk where the incident occurred. The collision, which took place on October 26, sent both victims to the hospital with serious injuries, prompting urgent calls for action from community members.
Residents in East Willowdale have described the crosswalk as a significant safety hazard, stating that vehicles often speed through the pedestrian crossover, even when the traffic lights are flashing. One neighbor shared their observation, saying, “I watch people push the button and about to step out and cars go by, or people step out and cars go right through. It’s bad.” This concern highlights a feeling of vulnerability among pedestrians, especially children and the elderly, who frequently use the crosswalk.
In a demonstration of the dangers present at the intersection, a reporter from CityNews attempted to cross at the location and witnessed four cars passing through the flashing lights without stopping. This alarming trend has contributed to community fears surrounding pedestrian safety. Willowdale Avenue serves as a crucial connector between Sheppard and Finch avenues, and the crosswalk is situated at the top of a hill at Elmwood Avenue, which may make it difficult for drivers in smaller vehicles to see approaching pedestrians or traffic signals.
One local resident, Simon, who drives a Mini Cooper, articulated this concern, stating, “Sometimes we are driving the mini, my wife’s car, so there’s very little window and sometimes hard to see the light. I always slow down at the crosswalk because you know it’s coming.” Such testimonials point to the need for enhanced visibility and awareness at this potentially hazardous intersection.
In response to the incident and the ongoing safety concerns, residents have initiated a petition calling for increased traffic control measures. Since its launch, the petition has garnered nearly 600 signatures and is currently under review by City staff. It specifically requests the installation of proper traffic lights to manage the flow of vehicles more effectively and to protect pedestrians.
Willowdale City Councillor Lily Cheng has expressed her commitment to addressing the issue swiftly by planning to bring a motion before the North York Community Council. She remarked, “When you have a very serious accident, you know that there is a problem there, and you want to solve it faster. That speeds it up because then we’re kind of preempting the need for a study.” This statement underscores the urgency felt by local officials in addressing the identified safety problem.
The petition also advocates for immediate safety measures pending the installation of traffic lights. Residents have suggested various short-term solutions such as speed reduction initiatives, the assignment of a crossing guard during peak hours, and even the presence of police officers to issue tickets for traffic violations in the area. These proposed measures reflect a community rallying for enhanced safety and accountability on the roads.
