'Moment of change': New lights make it safer for residents along Highway 59
A new set of traffic lights are now operational on Highway 59 which runs through Brokenhead Ojibway Nation.
The improvement comes months after a tragedy witnessed by several residents. Those residents now say the upgrades will make it safer for students to get to school.
"They had no capability to know when the cars were going to slow down or come faster," said Mary Chartrand, who is a teacher in the area.
The new lights include a pedestrian crossing signal and countdown clock.
The decision to install the lights comes after a death last spring.
"I did see what happened and it was a tragedy," said Chartrand.
In April, community members were gathering at the school for a Winnipeg Jets Whiteout event and Elder Larry Hodge was killed by a hit and run driver right in front of the school.
On Friday, community members gathered with band and provincial officials to turn the lights on for the first time.
"I'm sad and sorry for Mr. Hodge's family, but also, it's a marker for a moment of change for your community," said Lisa Naylor, the minister of transportation and infrastructure.
The lights weren't the only change as the speed limit was also lowered in the area from 80 km/h to 50 km/h.
"It's been a lot of years that we've had to watch our children who are gathered today go to school and have to dodge two-way traffic," said Chief Gordon Bluesky.
More safety upgrades could be coming to the area as well. The province said it has been in recent Brokenhead Ojibway Nation about twinning Highway 59 North based on conceptual plans from 2016.
The province said it's also committed to exploring new safe walking and bicycle paths for residents as part of the twinning plan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE @ 11:15 A.M. MT Extent of Jasper wildfire damage still unknown; Alberta Wildfire hosting update
Officials are waiting to learn Thursday morning the extent of wildfire damage in the Jasper townsite of Jasper National Park, which flames began to eat away at the night before.
Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
Canadian women's soccer team staffer given suspended prison sentence over drone incident, prosecutor says
A Canada women's soccer team staffer has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence after flying a drone to film the closed-door training session of the New Zealand team on Monday, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
'Sick to my stomach': People grieve Jasper National Park by sharing favourite photos
As an out-of-control wildfire roared through Alberta’s famed Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday, many are fearing the worst as officials warned of 'significant loss' within the area.
Prince William made $42 million from his newly inherited estate last year, reports show
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Sale of envoy's NYC condo 'expected to exceed' $9M: government
The current official residence for Canada's representative in New York City is 'being readied for sale,' according to a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada.
'I'm so broke': Two Toronto women speak out after losing $76,000 in romance scam
Two women from the Toronto area are speaking out after losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam, including a single mother who lost $62,000.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.