Summerside Boys and Girls Club says heavy traffic dangerous for kids

Morning and afternoon traffic congestion in front of the Summerside, P.E.I., Boys and Girls Club is making drop-offs and pick-ups dangerous for children, its executive director says.

"At certain times there is very high traffic," Adam Binkley said. "I could see [an accident] happening."

Binkley told CBC News the problem is caused by a lack of safe parking. Parents are forced to park across the street or around the corner from the club because areas in front of the club are congested.

"The children, many times, are unsupervised and are crossing the street on their own," Binkley said.

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Enrollment in its programs has grown considerably over the past several years, he said, and he'd like to improve safety as more kids come and go from the club.

He has asked the City of Summerside to help find a solution.

At a meeting of the Committee of Council Tuesday, CAO Bob Ashley said he would take the issue to Summerside police.

Binkley said the club is working on potential solutions, such as turning nearby property it owns into an additional parking lot. With help from police and the city, he said he is confident change can happen fast.

"Sometimes you hear that there would be a need for a stop sign ... that doesn't happen until something negative or unfortunate happens. It's great to see city council being proactive to try to make the changes before an incident occurs."

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