During the summer months in Timmins, Hollinger Park becomes a hotbed of family activity.
However, a local business owner is concerned with the amount of vehicular traffic in the area.
Don Marcoux owns and operates D&M Mini Putt and Batting Cages, just beside the park.
He wrote a letter to Mayor Steve Black and city clerk Steph Palmateer which was read aloud during Monday's city council meeting.
His concerns stem from the fact that the public restroom facilities are across the parking lot from the pavilion, water park and playground.
“Kids and people of all ages walk and run to the bathrooms daily and are not always paying attention to vehicles never mind not realizing that their is drive through traffic in the Park. In addition my own customers become at risk when their kids run to and from the Miniputt,” said Marcoux in the letter.
Due the unique nature of its design, the parking lot does somewhat resemble a roadway.
Another issue is the fact that a parking lot for the nearby Senator Apartments connects to the Hollinger Park lot.
Many residents in that building prefer using the throughway to access Brunette Road, as opposed to turning onto Algonquin Boulevard.
Marcoux requested that council approves the installation of speed bumps along the entire parking lot, as well as enforcing a 10mph speed limit.
Councillor Mike Doody says the majority of the building's residents are not 'rabble-rousers' but mainly retirees.
“For some of them, it gives them piece of mind to use that particular drive-thru, getting out onto the highway in a safe manner,” he said.
Doody also stated that it is a very busy area and would be in favour of Marcoux's requests, or another similar option.
Councillor Andrew Marks mentioned he had recently spoken with Marcoux and fully agrees with his concerns.
“When we re-design that parking lot we should definitely ensure the safety of all residents. Speed bumps and a reduced speed limit are certainly a very prudent approach,” he said.
Marks also recalled a council discussion in 2011, wherein two options were presented to council.
“If I'm not mistaken, the council of the day approved option two. Which was for an agreement to be reached between the city and Senator Apartment owners,” he said.
That particular agreement was to have a gate constructed which would restrict access between the two parking lots.
“The question to the CAO(Joe Torlone) is where is the agreement? Is it in place? Should it be in place? Why isn't it in place? How do we get it in place?” asked Marks.
Torlone simply said he believes the agreement was sent to the apartment owners but has never been returned signed.
Marks then suggested that perhaps Torlone should make a phone call and get an update.
Councillor Noella Rinaldo, who along with Marks was also on council in 2011, also recalled that agreement being approved by council of the day.
“Part of the confusion is that its not a road. It is not an actual road. There are some legalities there and that is why those terms were going to be brought forth to the apartment owners,” she said.
Rinaldo doubted the ability to enforce a speed limit in the area, as it would seemingly require an officer present for the entire day.
Councillor Joe Campbell was very blunt in his comments.
“This is not a road. It's a parking lot that people are flying through. It is a safety issue,” he said.
Councillor Pat Bamford feels that council can make rules and regulations all day long, but its the enforcement of those rules that needs to be realistically considered.
“We make rules and laws for people who don't have common sense. We have to create situations for those who don't follow rules. My thinking is, there should be a gate there. It should be locked unless there's an emergency,” he said.
Councillor Rick Dubeau inquired about the potential installation of temporary speed bumps that could be removed before winter.
Director of Public Works Luc Duval told Dubeau that the city does not possess those types of bumps.
Councillor Andre Grzela patiently waited to make his statement.
“I think I know why we need to look at re-paving Hollinger Park parking lot now, because its actually used as a road,” he said.
Mayor Steve Black admitted the matter has been pushed aside over the last few years.
“It's an important discussion that we did kind of lose track of last term. We should ask for a report to come back, and the CAO will follow up with the owner and we'll discuss this again in the near future so that we can put some sort of resolve to it,” said Black.
The next city council meeting takes place on August 10.
