Dear Editor:
Many people reading the October issue of The Informer are under the false impression that the fire department (SIM) and police department (SPVM) approved the traffic barrier that Montreal West constructed on Broughton Rd in early October. As confirmed by Mayor Masella at the October 25 council meeting, this is completely false.
Sylvain Arteau, division chief at the Montreal fire department explained to the Lachine council meeting on October 18 that his department recommended against the barrier for the following reasons:
1) the increased response time attending to emergencies in the Hillcrest/Mount Vernon and Rosewood area;
2) potential damage to emergency vehicles;
3) potential injuries to fire fighters driving over the sidewalk / barricade; and
4) security concerns for Hillcrest/Mont Vernon/Rosewood residents whose neighbourhood is now enclosed in an area having only one exit (a 13% hill), which may be closed for any reason (ice, traffic accident, evacuation).
The explanation as to why Montreal West was able to build the barrier over the protestations of the fire and police departments is that these departments sadly have no power of enforcement over municipalities concerning such recommendations. And I find it scandalous that this town council shows so little concern for the safety its close neighbours in Lachine.
Yours truly,
John Symon
111 Rosewood
A transcription of Mayor Masella's comments at the Council meeting are here:
Please refer to page 18 and continue through source.
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