Windsor city council is set to debate whether pedestrian countdown timers should become more common across the city after a new report estimated it would cost more than $22 million to retrofit nearly every signalized intersection. The report, which will be discussed Monday, found Windsor currently has pedestrian countdown timers at only 11 intersections. Expanding the program to approximately 284 additional intersections would cost an estimated $22.2 million. Ward 7 Councillor Angelo Marignani, who requested the report, said the discussion should focus on improving safety for pedestrians, particularly seniors and people with mobility challenges. “We have a lot of careless drivers, and it’s important that we improve in any way we can the safety on our streets, especially for our pedestrians and especially people with mobility issues and our seniors,” Marignani said. He pointed to the crossing at Banwell Road near nearby parklands, where he said some seniors are unable to complete the crossing before the signal changes. “Oftentimes you’ll see seniors not being able to make it across and have to wait on the pedestrian island,” he said. “With a countdown timer or some sort of indicator saying how much time is remaining that they can cross safely, that would help with that concern.” Marignani also identified the intersection of Lauzon Parkway and Tecumseh Road East as a priority, citing the new east-end transit terminal currently under construction. “The transit hub behind us is going to be active soon,” he explained. “You’re going to have a lot of people crossing the street. Let’s make those improvements for the residents we serve.” While the report recommends continuing the city’s rollout of Accessible Pedestrian Signals, which provide audible crossing information, Marignani said he would like council to consider a phased approach to installing countdown timers at high-priority intersections. “Let’s look at the accident reports. Let’s look at the data. And the data will give us the priority that we need to focus on,” he said. The report notes research on visual countdown timers has produced mixed results. While some jurisdictions have reported reductions in pedestrian collisions, other studies found drivers may accelerate in an attempt to clear intersections before the countdown expires, contributing to increases in vehicle and pedestrian crashes. Marignani acknowledged those findings but said the research also suggests drivers become more attentive. “It also shows that they’re more focused at that point in time,” he said. “Hopefully, let’s just let common sense prevail. Drivers, drive carefully.” Environment, Transportation, and Public Safety Standing Committee member Councillor Fraizer Fathers said the cost estimate reflects more than simply installing countdown displays. “When we change out these lights, we actually make accessibility improvements at all those intersections,” Fathers said. “So, to put in just the light post is actually a lot cheaper than that, but by provincial rule we actually have to do all of those accessibility improvements.” Fathers said the city currently upgrades between seven and 10 intersections each year and has applied for grants that could accelerate the work. He added that future upgrades are often coordinated with planned road reconstruction projects to avoid replacing equipment twice. Residents expressed mixed opinions about expanding the program. Gary Gale, a Windsor senior, said he has difficulty crossing some intersections before the signal changes. “The only problem I got is that the sign changes halfway and I’m coming over,” Gale said. “I’m an older person now so I can’t walk as quick as I used to.” Others questioned whether the project should be a spending priority. “How much money are we going to waste on this?” asked Windsor resident George Smith. Dan Shepley said pedestrian safety is important but wasn’t convinced the investment is worthwhile. “You never know who’s going to turn left or right, or if they’re looking for you,” Shepley said. “I’m not sure if it’s worth the cost.” Council is expected to discuss the report Monday as part of a broader conversation on pedestrian safety and future transportation infrastructure investments. - With files from AM800 News
