LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Reopen roads with signals
I am dismayed and perplexed by the lack of communication or consultation regarding the detour routes to accommodate the eight-month closure of the Warsaw Swing Bridge on Parkhill Road.
Since the closure on Oct. 5, I have heard from countless business owners and residents — in both the city and Douro Dummer Township — who can’t understand the decision to close MacFarlane, Old Norwood and Maniece to through traffic. The city’s Official Plan classifies Maniece as a “high capacity collector,” which by very definition can be expected to accommodate up to 500 vehicles per hour. This closure sends a clear message that East City, and by extension the downtown, is not open for business.
Since the closure of these three streets, there have been numerous attempts made to talk to members of city council individually and have requested meetings with you and your staff to work together to find an adequate solution. It seems however that there is little interest on your part to explore possible solutions.
During these times when small businesses need support more than ever before, it is hard to believe that you seem to have little interest in keeping access open in and out of East City and the downtown. When your own council declared a climate emergency, it is hard to believe that you would close three roads to divert cars further out of their way. It is hard to believe that when families are struggling to manage new routines and schedules to get to work, appointments and school that you would further complicate their lives unnecessarily.
Your Worship and council, this can be solved by reopening Old Norwood Road and Maniece. By restricting trucks from traversing these roads and by putting temporary signals at the Liftlock Tunnel and MacFarlane Street Bridge. Police resources can be used for enforcing speed, distracted driving and aggressive driving on these roads rather than carding for local residency.
At a time when there are enough problems in the world, let’s find a solution so we can support the businesses and residents in our neighbouring communities.
Heather Watson, Douro Ward Councillor
Some campers see millions in upgrades while others evicted Re: City breaks up homeless tent encampment in downtown Peterborough, Nov. 7
The Robinson Settlement, 1825 (Victoria Park): A sign erected by the Ontario Archeological and Historic Board commemorates the settlement of the poor and unemployed from Cork, Ireland, when 1,878 people were successfully established on land in Peterborough with free rations and temporary shelters.
Fast forward to 2019. In the same park the poor and unhoused, cast aside by society, but struggling to keep a tent and community, were roughly removed at the onset of winter. Now in 2020, a similar community found shelter in an informal camp where they felt safe and were self-regulated. The city thought otherwise and implemented the bylaw with police overseeing the community’s removal from “the hole in the fence.”
Moving on from the “othering” of this tent community whose plight often makes front-page news, I turned the page and found that “Electrical hookups coming to more provincial park campsites.” Our MPP’s work as Ontario Parks special adviser has led to $26 million in these upgrades. I wonder at the anomaly of the clear appreciation of recreational needs being met and the basic need of secure, clean housing without infestations of rats, cockroaches, etc. being left unmet.
Margie Sumadh, Dublin Street
Reader is grateful for quality of care
Recently, I had occasion to go to emergency at PRHC. That is usually a stressful experience, but the anxiety is increased during a pandemic. How reassuring it was to deal with professional, friendly, supportive people. I am grateful for the excellent care I received.
Jim Abel, King George Street
Team at PRCH made hospital visit, surgery go smoothly
A recent medical issue made a visit to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre imperative. Upon entry, I answered the COVID-19 questions at the main entrance before being seated to await the opening of the admitting desks.
After completing that phase I was escorted to the fifth floor pre-op area where Nancy kindly talked me through what was going to take place. A short time later they were preparing me for my operation. Led by my surgeon, Dr. Hossain and his dedicated and trustworthy team, including anesthesiologist Ken and nurse Emma, I knew I was in safe hands.
Later, recovering in post-op, nurses Melissa and Dave did their very best to make certain I was given the utmost attention and dignity.
Thanks to a fantastic group of individuals from start to finish. You make Peterborough and surrounding area lucky and proud to have such a great hospital.
Thomas (Alan) Baird, Millbrook
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