Residents Urge City to Retain Four-Way Stop in Stittsville

Residents of a newly developed neighbourhood in Stittsville, Ottawa, are expressing strong concerns over the planned removal of a four-way stop at the intersection of Derreen Avenue and Culdaff Road. This intersection serves as the primary access point to the community and is crucial for pedestrian safety.

Tyler Sommers, a resident for over three years, highlighted the significance of the four-way stop, stating, “It’s the main intersection in and out of the community. It’s fairly busy and very active.” According to a traffic sign observed by Sommers, the stop will be removed as of August 15, 2023, following a transition to City of Ottawa management in June. The previous community developer had maintained responsibility until construction was fully complete.

In an email statement, Heidi Cousineau, manager of traffic, safety, and mobility for the city, confirmed that the intersection is currently operating under a standard signage adjustment warning period. She acknowledged community concerns and stated that they are “actively reassessing options to determine the best permanent solution for the community.”

Residents are particularly worried about pedestrian safety, especially for children whose school bus stops right at this intersection. Sommers questioned the safety implications if the stop sign is removed. “If there’s no stop sign there, I don’t know how anybody on the wrong side of the street is going to get across except jaywalking,” he stated.

Another resident, Devesh Wadhwa, who has lived in the area for about a year and a half, echoed these concerns. He noted that drivers often accelerate after leaving the nearby roundabout, which can pose risks to pedestrians. “They don’t realize they’re entering the community and need to be cautious of pedestrians,” Wadhwa said. He expressed anxiety for the safety of his family members during their walks and particularly noted the intersection’s importance for his four-year-old son who will soon begin school.

Both Sommers and Wadhwa have reached out to their local councillor, Glen Gower, to voice their concerns. Gower shared their apprehensions about pedestrian safety, stating, “They want a safe way for people to cross the street… without a four-way stop, it’s not as safe, and I agree with that.” He emphasized the need for safer roads for the community’s most vulnerable members, particularly children.

Gower indicated that the city is beginning the process to reinstate the stop signs permanently but acknowledged the complexities involved. He described the bureaucratic hurdles as “incredibly convoluted.” “The stop signs have been there for three or four years since construction started in the neighbourhood. Let’s just leave them up,” he urged.

According to Cousineau’s statement, the intersection is designed to accommodate additional traffic controls, potentially including the retention of the four-way stop. Gower has requested an expedited review process to keep the stop signs, which could take between three and six months. If approved, the signs could be reinstated within weeks, unless other factors, such as sidewalk upgrades, delay progress.

Community member Celeste Pinkney, who moved to the area in April with her young children, also raised concerns over road safety. Having witnessed two recent collisions involving children on bicycles in the city, she stressed the dangers posed by the removal of the stop signs for children who frequently ride bikes and scooters in the neighbourhood. “I’m more worried because we are always out on walks, and my daughter likes running fast,” Pinkney said.

As the community awaits a resolution, residents continue to advocate for a safer environment. Sommers hopes for the reinstatement of the four-way stop before his son starts school in over a year, stating, “The main concern for me is that there’s nowhere to cross.”

The Stittsville community remains hopeful for a solution that prioritizes pedestrian safety in this bustling neighbourhood.