ATTENTION: THIS PETITION IS ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A PRIMARY OR SECONDARY RESIDENCE IN SAINTE-MARCELLINE. WHEN SIGNING, PLEASE INDICATE SAINTE-MARCELLINE AS YOUR PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SIGNED THIS PETITION AND INDICATED SAINTE-MARCELLINE AS THEIR PLACE OF RESIDENCE DO NOT NEED TO SIGN THIS PETITION AGAIN. THANK YOU.

To the attention of the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Sainte-Marcelline-de-Kildare

SUBJECT: Request for Reassessment of the Installation of Certain Stop Signs

We, the undersigned, residents and members of the community of Sainte-Marcelline-de-Kildare, respectfully request that the Municipal Council reassess the implementation of the proposed new stop signs and, for the time being, refrain from installing stop signs at the following two locations: SPECIFIC CONCERNS REGARDING CERTAIN LOCATIONS

1. ROUTE DES LACS / 3rd STREET, TOWARDS THE BEACH

We wish to bring to the attention of the Municipal Council a particular concern regarding the proposed stop sign on Route des Lacs, at 3rd Street, in the direction of the beach.

 We believe that this location warrants particular attention because of its sloped configuration, which can already present a challenge for motorists, particularly during the winter season. In the presence of snow, ice or slippery road conditions, stopping a vehicle on a slope can be more difficult and may require increased braking distance.

In addition, at certain times of the day, particularly around sunset, drivers’ visibility can be considerably reduced by sun glare. The combination of the slope, winter conditions and reduced visibility could therefore create a situation that warrants careful assessment before a stop sign is installed at this location.

We respectfully request that the Municipality reassess the appropriateness and safety of this location, taking into account the road configuration, winter conditions and visibility at different times of the day.

2. ROUTE DES LACS / MAYRAND STREET

We also wish to raise an important concern regarding the proposed stop sign at the intersection of Route des Lacs and Mayrand Street.

This location also has a particular configuration because of the slope of the road, where vehicles travel downhill or uphill as they approach the intersection.

This situation can become particularly problematic during the winter, when snow, ice or slippery road conditions can reduce vehicle traction and increase the distance required to stop a vehicle travelling downhill. Conversely, vehicles that must proceed uphill after stopping may also have greater difficulty restarting and maintaining their progress when road conditions are difficult.

We therefore believe that the installation of a stop sign at this intersection should be subject to a specific winter safety assessment, taking into account traffic in both directions, the slope and the road conditions that may prevail during the winter.

We respectfully request that the Municipality assess these conditions before installing the stop sign and consider the possibility of not installing it if the assessment demonstrates that its presence could create or increase certain risks for motorists.

 In both cases, our request is not intended to minimize concerns regarding speeding or road safety. Rather, we wish the proposed measures to be adapted to the actual configuration of the roads and the conditions motorists face, particularly during the winter.

A PROGRESSIVE AND REASONABLE APPROACH

We understand that the purpose of installing new stop signs is to improve road safety and reduce excessive speeding in certain areas of the Municipality.

We recognize the importance of these objectives and fully support the Municipality’s efforts to ensure the safety of residents, pedestrians, cyclists and all other road users.

However, we believe it would be appropriate to first give drivers a reasonable opportunity to modify their driving habits, now that concerns regarding excessive speeding have been communicated to residents and users of the areas concerned.

We believe that simply informing drivers that new signage may be installed if excessive speeding continues could, in itself, help raise awareness and encourage them to slow down and adopt safer driving practices.

FOR THESE REASONS, WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE MUNICIPALITY:

1. REASSESS the implementation of the proposed stop signs at the two locations identified above;

2. DEFER and reassess the implementation of the proposed new stop signs and, for the time being, refrain from installing the stop signs;

3. MONITOR, over the coming months, traffic, vehicle speeds and driving habits in the areas concerned;

4. REASSESS the situation in spring 2027, in light of the observations made and changes in drivers’ behaviour;

5. AND, IF EXCESSIVE SPEEDING REMAINS A PROBLEM in spring 2027, reassess which stop signs are actually necessary, while taking into account the safety concerns associated with the locations identified above.

We believe that such an approach would give drivers a reasonable period of time to modify their behaviour, while allowing the Municipality to continue monitoring the situation.

Our request is in no way intended to minimize concerns relating to road safety. On the contrary, we wish to promote a solution that is effective, reasonable, progressive and adapted to the actual needs of our community.

We sincerely thank you for the attention given to our request and for your continued commitment to the safety, quality of life and well-being of the citizens of Sainte-Marcelline-de-Kildare.