Barrie needs to think ahead to keep kids and drivers safe – rather than react to a rising rate of accidents, Barrie council decided.

City engineering staff had recommended that no change be made at the intersection, which now has only has a two-way stop on Dean Ave. at Madelaine Drive, as well as a push-button pedestrian signal.

Council, however, is opting to consider installing traffic signals next year, and include the $70,000 expense as part of next year’s budget. It would be precedent setting, said one councillor.

“I’ve never seen a reference committee overturn a staff recommendation and put money in a budget before staff has recommended it,” said Ward 1 Coun. Mike Ramsay, adding many corners in the city’s east end meet traffic signal requirements, but do not have them – such as the St. Vincent/Wellington street intersection.

Barrie’s infrastructure and development general manager Richard Forward said the Madelaine/Dean intersection doesn’t meet the criteria for a signal – which includes three consecutive years with five collisions per year, traffic delays and volumes. He estimated Madelaine/Dean could meet those standards in five years, as growth continues in that area.

In 2004, there were two collisions, another two in 2005, six in 2006 and two last year.

But Community Services Committee chairperson Coun. John Brassard said his committee overturned the staff recommendation because so many residents were so concerned about safety in the growing neighbourhood.

“I’m new enough (to city council) to think we’re in the customer-service business,” he said.

“Warrants are not being met, but it is anticipated over the next several years, they will be.

“By the concern expressed, there is a significant issue of safety. I personally experienced it. I drove right through the intersection – and I wasn’t talking on my cell phone. I was in the car with my family. There is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

“It is a four-lane roadway either way and there’s not many four-lane roads without traffic signals.”

The sightlines at the intersection are also obscured by bus shelters on Madelaine, east of Dean.

About 5,000 cars travel along Madelaine each day, with another 2,800 on Dean. Those volumes do not satisfy traffic-signal standards, a city staff report added.