The Hanover School Division has asked the City of Steinbach to improve safety on Barkman Avenue between Mckenzie Avenue and Fourth Street. In a letter, Assistant Superintendent Rick Ardies makes reference to a vehicle-bicycle collision at Barkman and Fourth on October 11th as an example of the dangers to children. He adds adult supervisors at that intersection also regularly speak of their fear for children due to the speed of traffic. The letter asks for Barkman and Fourth to be turned into a four-way stop and asks that the speed limit be reduced to 30 KPH on Barkman between Mckenzie and Fourth.

Councillor Earl Funk has suggested that council ask the administration for a report on this matter.

"I believe that this is something that we need to take seriously. Having said that, I'm not the expert in this. I don't know how to make this decision, but I know that our administration does. That's why I want to refer this to the administration for them to do a study and report back to us so that we can make the right decision for our students and our schools."

Deputy Mayor Cari Penner echoes Funk's remarks.

"Council takes the safety of students very seriously as does the Hanover School Division. We have asked the administration to review this. We feel that's something that we need someone with more expertise to address and give a recommendation to council."

Read more:

Car/Bike Collision At Barkman Ave. And Fourth Street