After years of provincial inaction, some residents of Ste. Agathe are tired of waiting for authorities to improve safety for drivers at the intersection of Highways 75 and 305. In recent days, a petition including nearly 1,000 signatures was presented to MLA Ron Schuler.

“This intersection is heavily used by community members, commuters, and commercial traffic, making safety improvements critical,” the petition states. “Immediate action is needed to mitigate accidents and prevent further loss of life.”

The petition was headed up by Councillor Joel Lemoine and local resident Guy St. Hilaire. According to them, at least 20 major accidents have occurred at this intersection over the past seven years, resulting in needless injuries and fatalities.

In 2022, the province conducted a road safety review that resulted in recommendations for improvements, but there was no action plan.

Now, four years later, residents want to see an action plan in writing, along with timelines. The plan, they say, should include traffic lights or another form of traffic control system. They also want reduced speed signs leading up to the intersection and rumble strips.

Further, they believe that dedicated turning lanes would reduce the risk of collisions.

“In communities like Ste. Agathe, every accident affects people we know, our neighbours, friends, and families,” says Schuler. “When collisions continue to happen at the same location, we have a responsibility to take a closer look and act before more lives are put at risk.”

For Lemoine, who actively advocates for growth in Ste. Agathe, the risks posed by this dangerous crossing will only increase with time.

“The community of Ste. Agathe has residential and multifamily housing developments underway which will increase the town’s population,” says Lemoine. “We also have potential lot sales in the Riel Industrial Park as well as an eventual expansion, which will increase commercial traffic to the intersection.”

By presenting the petition to Schuler, Lemoine and St. Hilaire hope for an opportunity to grab the attention of Lisa Naylor, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Schuler says he’ll begin reading out the petition in the Legislature on March 18 and will continue to do so until summer break.

In the meantime, Lemoine and St. Hilaire believe the province should respond with some short-term solutions.

“Until a more permanent solution is found for traffic control, we should insist on additional signage on Highway 75 for incoming traffic from both the north and south,” says St. Hilaire. “Reducing the speed to 80 kilometres per hour near the intersection and installing ‘Important Intersection Ahead’ signs at a safe distance could serve as a temporary measure while the province consults with the municipality on a permanent solution.”

In a political world that’s focused on budgets and cost-saving measures, Schuler says the human aspect can’t be overlooked.

“Highway safety is not just about infrastructure,” he says. “It’s about protecting people. Every driver, every family, and every worker who travels this route deserves to know that everything possible is being done to prevent further tragedies.”