Please sign and share this petition. If you would like to donate to help us raise funds for this cause, please see our GoFundMe page here. 

Why This Petition Matters

I want to share the story of my remarkable grandmother, Giselle Gutsche, whose life was tragically cut short on September 30, 2024 at the age of 88. Born in Germany in 1936, she immigrated to this country in search of a better life, where she met her husband, Manfred, and raised her 3 beautiful daughters. Giselle often prepared warm meals for those in need at the local church, readily helped friends, and shared her love of gardening as an active member of the horticultural society. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, lovingly knitting socks for her family to ensure they felt her warmth, even from afar. 

The Need for Change

Tragically, Giselle's life was cut short when she was hit by a car while on her way to run errands, walking on the dangerous gravel shoulder near The Elden Seniors Residence.

The harsh reality is that Giselle, and the other 200 or so seniors living at the Elden Seniors Residence, have no safe way to access essential services on foot. Sideroad 10 and Line 8 has no sidewalks, forcing elderly residents, including those using mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers, to navigate busy streets on uneven gravel. Just days before her passing, Giselle had planned to approach the city council about installing a sidewalk to ensure safer access for seniors. Regrettably, she never had the chance to make that request.

Now, we urge you to act where Giselle could not. 

Please Sign the Petition Today!

Please sign this petition and help us advocate for a sidewalk and pedestrian crosswalk to be built at Sideroad 10 & Line 8, near the Elden. Our family will present this petition to City Council and local MPs to push for the necessary changes to enhance safety for all pedestrians.

We implement safety measures for children in school zones; let's extend that same protection to our elderly community. They deserve the right to  enjoy independance and walks outside, with the assurance of returning home safely. 

Let’s ensure that no other families face this devastating loss. Together, we can honor Giselle’s memory and inspire the safety improvements our community desperately needs.