This week at the doors…

I heard from many Ward 6 residents about the frustrations they encounter on our roads – most specifically the traffic lights!

Ward 6 residents know firsthand the frustration of inefficient traffic signals and long delays on our roads. Here are a few examples you’ve probably experienced:

Bow Trail pedestrian lights – how many times have you had to stop and sit for up to a minute even after the pedestrian has already crossed?
17 Ave C-Train crossings – how often are you waiting for non-existent traffic to clear after the train passes Sarcee Trail?
Bow Trail and 33 St – how many times have you sat for extended periods just to allow a few (or sometimes no) cars to cross or turn?

These inefficiencies don’t just waste time—they also increase frustration, reduce safety, and add to unnecessary CO2 emissions.

An Easy and Inexpensive Solution

Much of this could be fixed simply by reprogramming the timings of pedestrian and C-Train crossing lights. For example, traffic is currently stopped on 17 Ave for 40 seconds after a C-Train passes. This long delay is meant to clear any vehicle that might be stuck on the tracks—but in reality, no more than 10 seconds is required.

By updating the programming on these crossings across the city, we could get traffic flowing more efficiently without major infrastructure costs.

An Even Better Solution: Smart Technology

Cities like Kirkland, Quebec are showing us the way forward. They’ve partnered with a company called NoTraffic to install AI-powered sensors at 10 intersections. The results are impressive:

Vehicle delays reduced by 48%
Pedestrian delays reduced by 32%
Total project cost: just $1.8 million

This is smart, cost-effective technology that improves traffic flow, keeps pedestrians safe, and cuts down on harmful emissions.

A Win-Win Investment

By investing in traffic technology, we can:

✅ Reduce your time sitting in traffic
✅ Keep children and families safer at busy crossings
✅ Cut back on idling and CO2 emissions

As Ward 6 councillor I will be open to seeing what other cities do to address our common issues, while making sure the idea both works and is a cost-efficient solution.