Heading into the last weekend of the summer, thank goodness its a LONG one.

Looking ahead to next week, we all need to be prepared for a busier commute, on the road and with public transit. Lets be honest, Tuesday is sort of a “soft” start. Most schools aren’t in full swing until Wednesday. Most parents take the day off to get the kids off to their first day of school, and welcome them home from their “half day” back.

SO! Tuesday will be a little busier, but nothing like what we’ll be seeing towards the end of next week. PLEASE rememeber that SCHOOL ZONES will now be active with young kids crossing streets, preoccupied with friends and other distractions. SLOW DOWN!!! Also expect police to be actively monitoring those areas as well to make sure people are obeying the rules of the road.

Construction zones remain on Highway One from Langley all the way through to Burnaby. With added volume traffic is going to be HEAVY in those areas, so anticipate the slow downs and plan around it. Allow yourself at least an extra 20 minutes Wednesday and Thursday of next week so you can adjust to the changes. Especially with BCIT being back in session, the Cassiar to Grandview Highway area of Highway One will be a gong show. Take Lougheed or Canada Way if you like. Expect a TON of people to be doing the same. Not only will the Highway 1 construction zones remain, but so will a number of the other areas you have been experiencing over the summer. Take note of where they are NOW so that you aren’t surprised on your first day back.

Transit will be busier as well. Buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and the Canada Line will see an increase in ridership. Be ready for the crowds. West Coast Express will also be experiencing heavier volume, and will NOT be in operation on Labour Day Monday.

Have a safe and happy long weekend everyone. Please drive safely.

M

We have all experienced a “close call” on the road.  Whether it’s our own fault or the fault of another driver. What if you see someone who is clearly driving recklessly, or appears to be under the influence? What then?

You can report dangerous driving to your local police detachments. If you witness an impaired driver or life-threatening incident, call 911.

You can also call some special toll-free numbers to report aggressive drivers on certain routes. You don’t have to disclose your name since calls are anonymous (if you’re using your cell, please pull over before dialing.)

• For Highway 99, call 1-866-WATCH99 or *0099 on your cell phone.
• If you’re on Highway 1 Fraser Canyon (between Hope and Cache Creek

What about if you see an unsafe commercial vehicle? Call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-888-775-8785 .

Never engage in arguments on the road, you don’t know who your are dealing with in these instances. If you are ever being pursued on the road in an aggressive manor and you’re scared. Call 911. Give the dispatcher your location, and the description of the vehicle following you. Or drive directly to a police station and stay in your car until you have assistance. This of course is in an extreme case, but it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead, and have an idea of what you should do for when/if it happens.

Drive carefully,

M

It was SPCA Monday here on Breakfast Television, so as usual we had some ADORABLE dogs to show off, in hopes that they may find a new home.  In light of the recent heat wave we decided to talk about dogs in cars. I just wanted to bring it up here on my blog.

I know the weather is super nice; we want to take out pets out to enjoy the weather too. GREAT idea, if you are going to the beach or to a park…somewhere where your dog will be out WITH you…not stuck in the car. I can’t believe how many people still do this. I have seen 3 dogs this year, stuck in a car in direct sunlight with the windows open an inch while the owners enjoy lunch on a patio. This is unacceptable and SO dangerous for your pet. Did you know that it only takes 10 minutes for a dog to become seriously dehydrated and possibly die when left in a car in the heat?? PLEASE just leave your dog at home where its cool and they can get food and water at will. If you are out at the beach with your dog and want to go out for lunch, take him/her HOME first…the car is NOT an option. Even if you park your car in the shade with the windows open, it’s STILL too hot for an animal.

What happens if you are walking through a parking lot and you see a dog locked in a car with the windows done up or just opened a little bit? What do you do? Well, you should all the SPCA or the Police immediately. Especially if you see the dog panting excessively, or in the worst case, lying down flat and vomiting.  Again it only takes 10 minutes for an animal to be seriously harmed by being locked up in a car. Don’t just walk by and assume that everything will be okay.  Most times its NOT okay, and by the time the owner comes back to the car its too late. 

I know I would rather be at home, than stuck in some car in the summer with the windows only open an inch. Wouldn’t you? Leave the dog at home….unless you plan to hang out together outside in the open.

Talk to you all later!

M

M

UGH!! What a morning! As we all know, there is heavy construction going on from Langley to Vancouver on our precious Highway One. In recent entries I have discussed the importance of SLOWING down in construction zones and etc. It is also important to expect sizeable delays in your commute through these construction areas.

Here’s the thing…traffic flow could be GREAT one day, then HORRIBLE the next depending on the different stages of construction. Last week, the Port Mann Bridge moved pretty much as usual. We all saw the construction equipment, we noticed some slow downs around Brunette, but really that was about it. This week was the complete opposite. We lost a west bound lane, and traffic was grid locked up and over the bridge into Surrey, and sometimes into Langley.

We are going to be dealing with these conditions of “Hot and Cold” traffic for months and years to come along the number one, so planning ahead and expecting the unexpected is very important. Alternate routes like the Golden Ears and Pattullo Bridges are going to feel the pinch as well. Especially on mornings such as earlier this week.

There are going to be lane closures, some lasting longer than predicted and some shorter. You will want to reroute some mornings and afternoons absolutely. When you are rerouting and stuck in heavier traffic, watch your fuel gauge.  So many times we see vehicles run out of gas in unexpected traffic jams which just locks things up further.

I know it’s frustrating out there at times, especially when you are running behind. It really does pay to be patient and courteous and think ahead.

Another reminder to all, to PLEASE pay attention to the posted speed limit in construction zones.

See you tomorrow!

M

We are heading into yet another summer weekend in a province full of forest fires, and  roads full of traffic and construction.

In light of this morning’s tragic accident on Highway One in the Surrey/Langley area, I think its important talk about driving smarter in construction zones. Highway One will be under construction from Langley to Vancouver for at least a year and a half for the Port Mann Improvement Project.  This means we have to change how we drive. There have been adjustments made to the speed limit in a number of areas of Highway One that are in affect 24/7 until construction has been completed. Those speed limits are there for a reason, and I’ve said this before.  There are so many different things that can unexpectedly happen in construction zones. This means that YOU the driver have to be going a reasonable speed in order to react accordingly to those instances. 

Early Friday morning construction crews were working within a construction zone on Highway One close to 192nd Street, when their vehicle was struck by another vehicle behind them. 3 people lost their lives, and 3 others are in hospital. The exact cause of the accident hasn’t been released, but it’s safe to say that the construction speed limit of 80km/hr most likely wasn’t being observed. We will obviously learn more about this accident in the days to come. But I wanted to talk about this now, heading into a weekend to try and impress upon all who reads this, the importance of driving smart.

Driving smart is more than just the obvious… (obeying the rules of the road)…its also about being calm, courteous and prepared behind the wheel….

• Don’t put yourself in positions where you might annoy other drivers. For example, driving constantly in the passing lane when you’re not passing anyone.
• If you see an on-ramp to the highway move to the left lane if safe to do so.
• Don’t be running red lights.
• Watch for cyclists.
• If someone lets you in, WAVE thanks.
• Expect tourist traffic, and be prepared for their last minute decision making.
• Don’t follow too close behind other vehicles.

Obviously this list could go on and on. There are a couple other points I want to make but they deserve mention on their own. First and foremost please PLEASE don’t drink and drive!! Arrange to have a designated driver, take transit or call a cab. “The Driving Alternative” is another way to get you AND your car home, 604-581-0558 program it now into your phone. If you aren’t sure of the cab company to call where ever you are, call #TAXI.

There is NO excuse for putting your life or the lives of others in jeopardy by driving drunk. Counter Attack road blocks are everywhere; and this weekend will be no exception. We are now the toughest province on drinking and driving which means that if you blow between 0.05 and 0.08 you will face increased driving bans, and escalating fines. I have also heard that those who blow below that could face more than just a warning which you would have received in the past. Bottom line? Don’t do it!!

Finally, I want to talk about the tinder dry conditions in our province. Smoking and campfire bans have been in place for a couple weeks now. I still get reports of drivers flicking their cigarette butts out their windows, or throwing them off of patios and balconies of apartment buildings and hotels. It doesn’t take much to start a fire anywhere in our Province right now, so please butt out INSIDE your vehicle, apartment or hotel room. 

Speaking of fires…If you are heading out on a road trip to the interior this weekend, your route could be affected by the forest fires. If you aren’t sure, get all the details and re-routes before you leave at  www.drivebc.ca click on major events.

I hope you all have a very safe and fun weekend,

See you Monday!

M

Recently I had a chance to chat with Drew Snider aboard the newest SeaBus “The Burrard Pacific Breeze”. What a great day for a sail, I was also able to get to the bottom of a rumour about the Golden Ears Bridge tolls….Have a look….

How are you getting down to Pride this year? Probably best to take public transit…just leave the car at home, and relax and enjoy!

Here are some details I figured you might need if you are planning on taking in the festivities on the long weekend.

The party starts in Davie Village! Road closures go up at 3pm on Friday July 30th, for the Street Dance Party! Davie will be closed between Burrard and Jervis. The party starts at 7pm and goes until midnight! Bring your dancin’ shoes!

PARADE TIME!!! Sunday August 1st you can’t miss this! Vancouver comes alive with the Pride Parade every year, and this year will be no exception! Road closures going up at 8am…Parade starts at noon at Robson and Bute…goes west along Robson to then south on Denman and loops onto Beach and wraps up at Pacific and Jervis round 3pm.

Don’t end your plans there…the party continues at the Sunset Beach Festival from 11am -6pm…so much to do and see,  and open to EVERYONE!

The weather forecast is looking GREAT for the long weekend, so come on down to the largest Pride Parade in western Canada!

Enjoy!

M

Seawall detours at English Bay and Second Beach began yesterday…

Seawall users will find detours around two English Bay-area portions beginning Monday, July 19. A 340-metre section between Sunset Beach and the Inukshuk on English Bay and a 470-metre section from the far west side of English Bay Beach in Stanley Park to the beginning of Second Beach are undergoing major reconstruction. Signs will be in place directing pedestrians, cyclists, in-line skaters and wheelchair users around the fenced construction areas.

In order to accommodate Celebration of Light spectators, fencing around the Sunset Beach area section will not go up until the firework events conclude on July 31. Access for spectators at the Second Beach section in Stanley Park will be restricted by fencing.

The two sections of seawall are up to 75 years old and are frequently undermined by waves and storms. One section is constructed of timber frame that has deteriorated beyond repair, necessitating reconstruction and restoration.

Construction work must take place at low tides which are ideal during the summer months. Work will be complete later in the fall.

The $4.5 million seawall restoration project is funded in part through a $2 million Federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund grant.

A third section of seawall between Brockton Point and Lumberman’s Arch will be resurfaced in September. That work is expected to take two weeks. A detour will be in place for seawall users.

Just to refresh your memory…The Kits Point area will shut down at 6:00pm and the West End shuts down at 7:30pm…both areas will remain closed until 11:30pm. After the barricades go up, only local traffic will be able to access those areas. You must have proof of residency like an up to date drivers license, or a piece of mail indicating that you live in the closed area. All other traffic will be turned away.  For more information go to www.celebration-of-light.com.

If you are planning on viewing the fireworks from the West End or Kits Point. Obviously get there early, but also leave your car at home. Translink has once again altered its regular schedule to help accomodate the extra foot traffic.  Here are the details…

Coast Mountain Bus Company will re-route its services away from the West End.  As of 7:30pm, buses that normally travel into the West End will go no further than Burrard and Davie; the #5 Robson will go as far as Robson and Denman and then return via Denman and Georgia.  Note that there will be no eastbound service on Robson Street.

Starting at 9pm, #22 Macdonald/Knight will avoid Burrard Bridge and Cornwall Avenue altogether, using 4th Avenue between Granville Bridge and Macdonald in both directions.

Additional buses will be staged at Bridgeport SkyTrain Station to handle crowds coming off the Canada Line: these will supplement service as deemed necessary by transit supervisors on the scene.

West Vancouver Transit will stage approximately 15 additional buses along Georgia near Denman, to be used as required.

SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines service will operate at rush hour levels from late afternoon throughout the evening on each date until crowds are cleared after the event.  The last Expo Line train will leave Waterfront at 1:16am, however, we will run additional trains if necessary to make sure that all customers already in the station at that time are able to get home.

SkyTrain Canada Line will operate at rush-hour levels from late afternoon throughout the evening on each date of the fireworks.

To prevent “seat-camping”, there will be no pickups on inbound trains between Stadium-Chinatown and Waterfront Stations (Expo/Millennium Lines) and between Yaletown-Roundhouse and Waterfront Stations (Canada Line); inbound Canada Line passengers will be required to get off at Yaletown-Roundhouse.

Customers who don’t already have a FareCard or FareSaver are encouraged to pre-purchase their return fare prior to the event.  This will avoid long lineups at ticket vending machines afterwards and facilitate boarding.  Portable fareboxes wil be set up at:

 *   Granville
 *   Burrard
 *   Bridgeport (before the event only)
 *   Yaletown-Roundhouse
 *   Vancouver City Centre
 *   Waterfront – Canada Line and Howe Street Entrance (after the event)

There will be no access to Waterfront Station through the main entrance on Cordova Street except for persons with wheelchairs or strollers and the only access to Granville Station after 10pm will be through the Dunsmuir Street entrance.

Cyclists riding the train should arrive early, and bikes will not be allowed on any SkyTrain line leaving downtown Vancouver from 10pm until the lineups have cleared, which may be as late as 1am.  Transit staff and police may restrict bikes at any time in any direction, depending on crowd conditions on the trains.  This is for the safety and comfort of all our passengers.

SeaBus will put all three vessels into operation for the evening, providing 10-minute service from 6:30pm until 12:45am; then every 15 minutes until the final departure from Waterfront station at 1:31am.

West Coast Express will run a special train for the finale, Saturday, July 31, leaving Mission City at 7pm and returning from Waterfront at 11:30pm.

Have fun, and play safe!

M

M