Councillor Peterson
Whereas pedestrian safety is a key priority for the residents of the Village of Princeton and the Township of Blandford-Blenheim, and improved connectivity between the east and west sides of the Village is essential to ensure safe and equitable access for all; and,
Whereas the proposed location of a pedestrian crosswalk in the Village of Princeton will optimally serve the majority of pedestrian traffic, particularly those travelling from the residential areas on the east side to key community amenities located on the west side of the Village, including the Princeton Library Branch, Princeton Park, playground, multipurpose pad, and the walking trails; and,
Whereas a centrally located crosswalk would provide safer and more direct pedestrian access for residents, including children and seniors, and better align with pedestrian traffic patterns within the village; and,
Whereas Council believes that effective pedestrian safety infrastructure must include more than basic pavement markings and signage, and should incorporate illuminated warning lights and prominent visual cues to ensure high visibility and compliance by motorists; and,
Whereas the Council of the Township of Blandford-Blenheim passed a formal resolution directed to Oxford County Council on June 18, 2025 to recommend locating the proposed crosswalk at Elgin Street and Main Street; and,
Whereas significant capital road works have been completed in Princeton since 2019, with the final works to be completed in 2026 (top coat asphalt); and,
Whereas moving this proposed crosswalk installation forward to 2026 will lead to efficiencies in terms of alignment with ongoing road re-construction works and prevent future undue disruptions to residents and motorists;
Therefore, be it hereby resolved that the Council of the Township Blandford-Blenheim formally request that Oxford County locate the proposed crosswalk at the Elgin Street crossing, in order to better serve the needs and safety of pedestrians; and,
Further that the Township requests that the crosswalk design include, at a minimum, the following safety features:
• Illuminated pedestrian-activated warning lights;
• High-visibility signage on both approaches; and,
• Standard road painting for crosswalk delineation.