A Critical Threat to Safety and Community Well-Being

For too long, residents and visitors of Whonnock have been forced to navigate a roadway that is fundamentally unsafe for pedestrians. The complete absence of separated walkway infrastructure has created a crisis that is no longer sustainable for our community.

1. Immediate Physical Danger

The current road design forces our most vulnerable neighbors including school aged children on scooters/bikes, parents with strollers, and seniors with limited mobility to walk directly in the flow of vehicle traffic. This is not a "potential" risk; it is a daily compromise of our physical safety that leaves no room for error by either drivers or pedestrians.

2. The Toll on Mental Health

Beyond the physical danger, the lack of infrastructure has a profound impact on our mental well-being. Living in a constant state of hyper vigilance and anxiety just to walk to a neighbor's house or a local park is exhausting. For parents and caregivers, the stress of "near-misses" and the perpetual fear for their children’s safety has significantly degraded the quality of life and peace of mind in our neighborhood.

3. Intentional Exclusion and Infrastructure Gaps

While other areas of Maple Ridge benefit from city funded sidewalks and paths, our community remains neglected. This infrastructure gap creates a sense of exclusion, signaling that the safety of Whonnock residents is less of a priority than that of other taxpayers. We are asking for an equitable standard of care.

4. A Barrier to Our Parks

Our roads serve as the gateway to Whonnock Lake and our local recreational hubs. By failing to provide a safe gravel walkway, the City is effectively limiting access to public spaces for anyone who does not or cannot drive, contradicting the City’s own goals for an active, healthy, and accessible community.