We Must Slow Down

Opinion

Posted By Marilyn Houser Hamm, Neubergthal

Updated 1 month ago

Life along Provincial Road 418 is rural, but exists as a major throughway of traffic between Highway 75 on the east, and the 30 on the west. As one of two paved roads (along with 218), traffic moves quickly – too quickly. Many of us who use this road regularly will confess to driving with speeds in excess of 100kms or more as normal – for whatever the reason. It is, largely, open road, except for the Village of Neubergthal.

At no other juncture along the 401 exists a corridor through the centre of a residential area. Over 30 young children now reside in the village. Reminiscent of an earlier time, six to eight children now regularly bike to and from school, crossing this dangerous intersection at least twice daily during the school year. Further, village life in Neubergthal still retains its ritual and enjoyable pattern of family bicycle rides, strolls, and now fitness walkers and joggers down the village road under the welcoming canopy of its century-old cottonwood trees. All of this exists as the traffic through the village itself drives with excess speed and highway drivers do not alter their speeds at this intersection. Neubergthal, as a national heritage site will host hundreds of visitors in the summer months with the current exhibit showing at the Friesen Housebarn.

Farmers will continue to move through the cycle of the growing season – even a cruel one- with large and sophisticated equipment. School is out for the summer, but the children ride for enjoyment down the village road, and across the intersection.

In this day of modern conveniences there seems to be no shortage of deadlines, urgent time lines, and fast-paced living. But my morning walks have taught me that we must not forget what is most important – one another, and that we live as part of community.

At its most basic level, it means that we must look out for one another, take care of one another, and do those things that are for the common good – no matter what your age or your job or your time line.

My hope is that a speed restriction would be created around the Neubergthal intersection as a signal of awareness. But signs may be heeded or not. My larger hope is that, knowing our corporate responsibility, we can live and drive to build the kind of community that we all want to be a part of in a modern time. We must do this for the children, and we must alter our habits to prevent a tragedy no one wants.

Thanks to each of you, and all of you,