Flin Flon is about to gain another tool in the campaign against lead-footed drivers.
Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) is purchasing an electronic speed-monitoring sign that will alternate between 10 locations across the community.
“I know everybody would like to have one on their street, but we have finances for one,” said COPP chairman Sinclair James.
James said the sign will be similar to the unit on Creighton’s Main Street.
It will tell oncoming motorists how fast they are travelling – with an anticipated deterrent effect – and is capable of analyzing speed patterns in a
given area.
Northern Neighbours Foundation has agreed to cover the $9,348 tab for the sign. COPP is now seeking support from the city and school division to install 10 permanent poles on which the sign will be rotated.
COPP will work with city council to determine where the poles, each measuring 10 to 12 feet tall, will be installed.
Past monitoring has identified key areas of concern for speeding. Among them: Green Street, particularly for motorists coming off the Perimeter Highway and travelling near Hapnot Collegiate, the school zone on Ross Street near Ruth Betts Community School, and the entrance to Flin Flon near Walmart.
The solar-powered sign is expected to arrive within three weeks from an Ontario-based supplier.
James announced the purchase of the sign at last week’s Flin Flon city council meeting. Mayor Cal Huntley welcomed
the news.
“I think this is a wonderful thing,” said Huntley, adding that “this is to influence people to drive correctly within the community and drive safely.”
Meanwhile, the MPI-sponsored COPP is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Manitoba. Its current incarnation in Flin Flon began in 2014.
James said he believes the program helps to reduce crime through visibility and deterrence, referring to COPP volunteers as “eyes and ears for the police.”
He said COPP volunteers immediately notify the RCMP of crimes in progress. Past crimes reported by volunteers include speeding, fighting, vandalism, open liquor and possibly impaired driving.
The Flin Flon program currently has 29 volunteers, with four more awaiting clearance through criminal-record checks, James said.
