Another neighbourhood upset over new bus route

City Councillor Mark King speaks with Lancelot Avenue residents on Sunday morning.  PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.

A small group of Lancelot avenue residents assembled on a neighbourhood driveway to explain their reason for concern about a new bus route which started traveling down the short Trout Lake area street effective this past Sunday. 

Nine of the 13 homes on the small street which runs off Sage, were represented at a small gathering on a Lancelot driveway Sunday morning.  City Councillor and Community Services Chair Mark King made the visit to hear the issues from the concerned citizens.  

Natalie MacDougall was one of a handful of locals at the meeting.  

MacDougall along with some other Lancelot residents were also in attendance at Wednesday’s emergency meeting at City Hall. 

In that meeting, City Council voted against city staff new bus route recommendation, and instead sided with the Labreche residents by moving the bus route off their street.  

That decision has led to more opposition from residents of Ashdale and Bunting, who are now demanding the city move the bus route out of their neighbourhood too.

“They (Labreche residents) had a good argument, but we thought we had a good argument for wanting to suggest alternatives,” said MacDougall. 

“I was surprised how they changed the route so significantly after that meeting and effected three other streets and I guess caused a bit of chaos and I guess that’s why Ashdale will be presenting on Monday.”

Lancelot Avenue is a short 89 meter long street that is now part of the new city bus route. Residents argue the street is narrow and has steep driveways, which would make city bus travel dangerous. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.

However, while there was a lot of passion with the pleas from Labreche residents last Wednesday, MacDougall says they aren’t going to try to tug at heart strings to make their point. 

“Our next step is we will be making a presentation to council on Monday night,” said MacDougall

“I don’t think our plan is to put council in a difficult position by forcing a motion at that time but we will be suggesting that Mark King speak to the staff about some alternatives and tweaks to the route.”

Community Chair Mark King, who was heading to Ashdale later Sunday afternoon, was pleased with the residents message and an idea to move the route over to Sage in hopes of alleviating the Lancelot problem.

“At this point I see an opportunity to make a change that might make sense that may not cost any money at all, and if in fact, if that’s what we are capable of doing, I am prepared to go back to staff to re-jig it a little bit,” said King.  

“I’ve asked them to make their presentation Monday night. If in fact we are in a position where its going to effect the transit budget again there will be a motion put forward on the following council meeting asking for direction from council.”

In the Sunday meeting, Lancelot residents voiced their thanks to King for taking the time hear them out. 

“Over the years I’ve learned most people are reasonable if you take the time to speak to them,” said King. 

“These people recognize the work that’s been put into this by staff, the length of time, it’s been well over a year now of implementing these changes to the transit system.”