By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — It’s only a matter of time before parking congestion on Garfield Street leads to a collision, Coun. Kim Williams told her colleagues during Tuesday’s town council meeting.

“We are going to have such an accident there,” she said, referring to the busy intersection of Garfield and First streets.

The combination of angle parking on one block and parallel parking on the next has led to reduced visibility and impaired traffic flow, she said, noting that Garfield Street is designated as an emergency route to Davidson Health Centre.

Though Williams was firmly supported by Coun. Mandy Tichit, other councillors were not persuaded, and a motion to restrict parking on an adjacent block was rejected.

The intersection sees frequent traffic during the day. Three of the four corners are occupied by Affinity Credit Union, the seniors centre and Dellene Church’s law practice, with other major businesses situated nearby.

Though Williams expressed concern about Davidson EMS being able to reach the hospital quickly, assistant administrator Donna Bessey said the EMS staff has not indicated any concerns to the town. Town staff also weren’t aware of any recent collisions there.

While he did not dispute the issue, Coun. Jason Shaw said the intersection is one among many trouble spots in town.

“There’s big parking concerns everywhere,” he said. “I’m just wondering, where do we draw the line?”

Williams suggested several options, including banning parking on both sides or installing a four-way stop, but ultimately made a motion to restrict parking on the south side of Garfield Street within a short distance from the intersection.

Tichit seconded the motion, but with no other councillors in support, the motion was defeated.

Administrator Gary Edom said that a change to the traffic bylaw would be needed in order to restrict parking along a particular street.

For the full report, please see the Oct. 26 edition of The Davidson Leader.