Lack of sidewalks in Winona causes ‘dangerous’ situation for pedestrians

Issue is common in areas of urban sprawl, says expert.

Bruce Mackenzie walks down a path on the side of Fifty Road in Winona. He said the lack of pedestrian infrastructure is common in the community.

Mac Christie/The Hamilton Spectator

The lack of sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure in the Winona area is something Jeff Beattie knows all too well. In fact, the Ward 10 councillor said the dicey pedestrian situation on Fifty Road was one of the reasons he decided to run for office.

Since the curbs have been installed, Beattie said it is “about the worst situation you can think of,” as the Fifty Road is a truck route, Queen Elizabeth Way access road and escarpment access road.

“It’s made pedestrian traffic very, very difficult because people have to walk in live-lane traffic,” he said.

But Beattie has been working on the issue for more than two years and said some changes are coming. In fact, a sidewalk is expected to be installed later this year on the west side of Fifty Road from Sonoma Lane — where sidewalks exist — to the rail line. He added staff are working with the rail company to “pedestrianize” the crossing.

While sidewalks are planned to continue to Barton Street, Beattie said it is more difficult — and longer term — in that area because the road is still a “rural cross-section” with ditches and shoulders.