Kitimat council is considering paving 2nd Street after two local businesses highlighted concerns over safety and road conditions. The unpaved road cuts through the Service Centre, affecting access to CDN Controls and the nearby Chevron card lock fuelling station.
In a letter received by council Sept. 3, Rob Campbell, manager of CDN Controls, referenced a previous business owner's request to cut the curb down on the Enterprise Avenue side of the parking lot. The request was denied due to safety concerns stemming from the high volume of traffic.
“This highlights the frequent and ongoing use of this road as a pathway for travel for both business owners, employees and the general public,” Campbell said.
Campbell listed several ongoing problems, including large potholes that could cause vehicles to lose control, dust that limits visibility when entering or exiting Haisla Boulevard and wear and tear on vehicles due to the poor condition of the road.
Brad Van Koughnett, president of Pilot Petroleum which operates the Chevron Cardlock, also sent a letter to council, arguing the paving of 2nd Street will not only enhance road safety but also improve traffic flow, benefiting the broader community and supporting local businesses. He added, "The deteriorated condition of 2nd Street results in significant delays and disruptions, especially for those entering and exiting Haisla Boulevard. Efficient traffic flow is essential for businesses like ours that rely on timely deliveries and smooth access for both customers and suppliers," he wrote.
Councillor Mario Feldhoff presented the issue to the council, resulting in a unanimously approved motion to refer the matter to the budget process. Kitimat staff will now investigate the costs and logistics of the project, with a report expected to be presented to council at a later date.
