Portage la Prairie Council and administration are working to address the concerns of those living along Crescent Lake. A delegation to council at last week's meeting saw a few residents present a petition with 150 signatures, calling on the city to add a few stop signs along that road, as well as lower the speed limit to 40 km/h. Their main concerns surrounded the safety of pedestrians, residents along the street, and those who utilize a home day care along the road. They say traffic's increased substantially over the years, as drivers aim to avoid the lights on Saskatchewan Avenue.

The group that presented the petition says unscientific random sample surveys of traffic along the road indicated an average of 3,700 vehicles drive along that stretch between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mayor Irvine Ferris met with one of the group members this week, and says their concerns are quite clear.

"Anybody that drives down there can see the amount of traffic, and sometimes it's going probably too fast for conditions. The other concern we have, is there has also been a big increase in pedestrian traffic because of the active transportation routes with the walking path right beside the Crescent. We know and we've heard from other citizens that there are challenges for residents trying to cross the Crescent, especially during those busy times."

He notes Council and administration are currently working on some recommendations to improve the situation. He expects them to come forward at Monday's council meeting. During the initial delegation, the city had indicated adding additional cross walks along the road was already being discussed.