January 1 rang in a New Year. You can skate, ski, walk and check out the rabbits in our community. It’s a great neighbourhood to live in so why not enjoy it?

At our last general meeting held November 24, a major issue was traffic with a growing concern for speeding and a running of STOP signs both by transient drivers visiting residents or just passing through and local residents showing a disregard for their fellow neighbours. It’s hard to believe local residents can disregard driver safety in their own community. There are already concerns about Connaught Avenue. Do we really want more STOP signs? Will speed humps, policing and traffic calming be necessary within Queensway Terrace North? If we all pitch in the answer is NO. If we don’t, residents will demand it and the movement to take action will kick in. Please slow down!

There are several streets within Queensway Terrace North that are problems at this time. Connaught Avenue is one of pedestrian and driver safety. The steep slope between Sackville and Elmhurst is the problem. The temptation to speed down the slope with no STOP sign is irresistable to some drivers. Icy conditions in winter are another.

City staff have identified Norton Avenue as a street that needs to be reconstructed. The timeline for this is two to four years if funds are available. As a resident of this street, I see it crumbling before my eyes. We’ll be asking the city for a report on road repairs and maintenance planned for our community this year.

Last fall there was a rash of break-ins on Norton, Alpine and Severn. Why not help our police by calling in suspicious activities on your street. You can call Donna Wilson at 829-4965 and join the Neighbourhood Watch Team. You’ll be in the loop and made aware of what’s going on.

On January 13 the Planning and Environment Committee met to decide the rezoning of 847 Ivanhoe Avenue to allow a triplex. The Queensway Terrace North Community Association was there along with a considerable delegation of local residents to oppose the rezoning recommendation by city staff. I along with seven residents gave presentations to explain why we were opposed. Although numerous reasons were stated, the main issues were lack of proper infrastructure (no sidewalk, curbs and low water pressure) and the simple fact our R2C zoning was put in place because the community already had as much housing as it could handle.

Sadly, six committee members disagreed and we lost on a 6 for and 2 against vote. Councillor Alex Cullen opposed the rezoning and has asked the community to email or mail the Mayor and all of City Council members as soon as possible since the Committee vote must be approved by City Council. Please do it! As well, a decision whether to appeal or not hasn’t been made. An appeal has been filed in the Donn Street case in Britannia Village.

The residents on Ivanhoe Avenue should be proud of their efforts. The support by the local community to rally around them and help has been wonderful. The Queensway Terrace North Community Association will continue to oppose any rezoning attempts that do not fit the R2C zoning.