Safety upgrades begin at Cathedral Grove near Port Alberni
One of Vancouver Island’s most popular tourist attractions has just received a safety makeover.
Changes have been made to Cathedral Grove, a spot where thousands of tourists converge every year, often creating congestion and safety concerns.
According to Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne, the changes have been in the works for some time.
"Over the years the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has implemented a lot of different safety measures," Osborne says. "We know just how popular this site is."
The improvements include centre median pickets to prevent vehicles from turning across Highway 4, as well as no U-turn signs and rumble strips to help slow traffic.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says other safety measures have been introduced, including speed-reader boards and overhead flashing pedestrian signs.
The ministry says the latest changes were implemented after consultations with First Nations, local governments and the chamber of commerce.
“The ministry is continuing to explore long-term safety improvement options for the Highway 4 corridor through MacMillan Provincial Park, working with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy as well as local stakeholders” the ministry said.
Osborne says the strips can be removed in the winter for snow plowing and ministry staff will be reviewing these and other possible future changes.
“I think everyone is interested in continuing to explore those longer-term improvements. We've heard from stakeholders, from people, just how important safety is and we've heard from people how important it is to preserve the trees and the magnificence of the park," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING Dianne Feinstein, longest-serving female U.S. senator in history, dies at 90
Dianne Feinstein, whose three decades in the Senate made her the longest-serving female U.S. senator in history, has died, according to a source familiar.
Authorities dispatched to Britney Spears' home over video showing singer dancing with knives
Officials were called to the southern California home of Britney Spears on Wednesday to conduct a wellness check after the singer posted a video on social media depicting her dancing with knives.
Canada Post launches new stamps to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this Saturday, Canada Post has released a series of new stamps to honour the survivors of residential schools.
Some hospitals are bringing back masking - and the general public should consider it this fall too, experts say
Some hospitals are instigating stricter masking rules again amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases, and although we’ve probably seen the end of broad masking mandates, some experts say the general public should also be making more use of this tool in our arsenal of measures to fight illness.
In defiance of judge, Sask. premier to force school pronoun rules into law
In defiance of a King's Bench ruling, Saskatchewan's premier plans to force a controversial school pronoun policy into law.
Putin orders former Wagner commander to take charge of 'volunteer units' in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered one of the top commanders of the Wagner military contractor to take charge of 'volunteer units' fighting in Ukraine, signalling the Kremlin's effort to keep using the mercenaries after the death of their chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Movie reviews: 'The Creator' is a strikingly original, soulful sci-fi film
This week, pop culture critic Richard Crouse reviews new movies 'The Creator,' 'Flora and Son,' 'PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie,' 'Saw X,' 'Reptile'
Thriving NFL benefits most from Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce relationship
The NFL didn't need a popularity boost before Travis Kelce became enchanted with Taylor Swift. They'll gladly welcome millions of Swifties to watch this love story unfold.
Rotterdam hospital official says questions were raised over alleged gunman's mental state
A medical student accused of killing three people in shootings at an apartment and a hospital in the Dutch city of Rotterdam had been undergoing psychological examinations to establish whether he was mentally fit to become a doctor, a hospital official said Friday.
Vancouver
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Missing woman involved in B.C. murder trial found dead
The search for Tracy Pickett, who had been missing since Tuesday, has ended tragically.
-
B.C. Sikh leader says RCMP warned him of threats to his life after Nijjar killing
A close associate of slain Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar says he has also been warned that his life may be in danger.
-
Why a B.C. city ended its decades-long ban on tattoo shops
Up until this week, opening a tattoo parlour in the Township of Langley in B.C.’s Fraser Valley was technically illegal.
Edmonton
-
Man dead after striking concrete beam at West Edmonton Mall while standing in sunroof
A man is dead following a crash at West Edmonton Mall's parkade on Thursday night.
-
Steve Staios leaving Oilers' front office
After almost one year, Edmonton Oilers former defenceman-turned-special advisor Steve Staios is leaving the club for a second time.
-
Some hospitals are bringing back masking - and the general public should consider it this fall too, experts say
Some hospitals are instigating stricter masking rules again amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases, and although we’ve probably seen the end of broad masking mandates, some experts say the general public should also be making more use of this tool in our arsenal of measures to fight illness.
Toronto
-
Toronto family shocked they have to rip out $20K synthetic grass putting green
A Scarborough family said they were shocked to get a notice from the City of Toronto that the artificial grass in their backyard, including a putting green, will have to be ripped out.
-
Dumpster fire erupts near Toronto waterfront restaurant
No injuries were reported after a fire raged from Toronto’s waterfront Thursday evening.
-
Air Canada pilots picket at Toronto's Pearson as talks continue
Air Canada pilots are demonstrating at Toronto's Pearson airport today, calling for better wages and working conditions as talks with the country's biggest carrier continue.
Calgary
-
Charges of attempted murder, more laid in shooting outside YYC
Police have charged a man with attempted murder and more following a shooting outside Calgary International Airport on Wednesday.
-
Southern Alberta's Blood Tribe launches campaign to prevent opioid-related deaths
Local artists from the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta are contributing their work to a campaign taking on one of the biggest crises the nation has faced in years.
-
Some hospitals are bringing back masking - and the general public should consider it this fall too, experts say
Some hospitals are instigating stricter masking rules again amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases, and although we’ve probably seen the end of broad masking mandates, some experts say the general public should also be making more use of this tool in our arsenal of measures to fight illness.
Montreal
-
Watchdog investigating head-on collision involving Mascouche police
A head-on collision on Highway 25 Thursday night that left one person with severe injuries is being investigated by Quebec's police watchdog, the BEI.
-
Quebec government puts the brakes on Indigenous languages 'Bill 101'
The Legault government is temporarily backing down on its plans to introduce a 'Bill 101' to protect Indigenous languages in Quebec.
-
Police investigating overnight shooting, suspicious fire in Riviere-des-Prairies
It was a busy night for Montreal police (SPVM) in the Rivière-des-Prairies borough, with investigators tackling a shooting and suspicious fire.
Atlantic
-
N.S. students plant orange flags on the site of former residential school ahead of Truth and Reconciliation Day
More than 500 students from four schools joined the Sipekne’katik community to place orange flags in the shape of a heart on the site of the former Shubenacadie Residential School.
-
N.S. opposition argues 222 government housing units insufficient for housing crisis in the province
Nova Scotia and the federal government's joint announcement to construct more than 220 public housing units on Wednesday is looked at as a step forward in the right direction, but critics say that number falls short of what's needed to address the housing crisis.
-
Nova Scotia to review freedom of information legislation after years of criticism
Nova Scotia's government is launching a review of its freedom of information legislation after years of criticism that the current system results in blacked-out government documents and a toothless review process.
Winnipeg
-
1 in 3 Manitobans not voting for PCs due to pandemic response: poll
One-third of Manitobans say the provincial government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has made them not want to vote for the Progressive Conservatives come election day, according to new polling.
-
'We’re going to be here': Landfill blockade removed, but protesters will still make their voices heard
A blockade set up Wednesday evening leading to the Brady Landfill came down on Thursday, but the protesters who put it up say they will be back if they need to be.
-
Arrest made after alleged indecent act outside Winnipeg school
A 21-year-old Winnipeg man has been arrested after he allegedly committed an indecent act outside of a Winnipeg elementary school.
Kitchener
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Hamilton man wanted for murder of Kitchener 18-year-old
Waterloo regional police have named a suspect in the murder of 18-year-old Joshua Tarnue and arrested another person in connection to the shooting.
-
Kitchener cat rescue being displaced by high-rise development
The Kitchener Stray Cat Rescue is searching for a new home after finding out the building they are currently in is being turned into a high-rise apartment.
-
Crash involving LRT train and vehicle in Kitchener
Kitchener Fire and paramedics are on scene of a crash involving an LRT train and a car on King Street South.
Regina
-
In defiance of judge, Sask. premier to force school pronoun rules into law
In defiance of a King's Bench ruling, Saskatchewan's premier plans to force a controversial school pronoun policy into law.
-
First Nations University of Canada hosts community smudge walk ahead of Sept. 30
A sea of orange circled the University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) campuses Thursday morning when more than 100 people took part in one of the largest smudge walks hosted by FNUC.
-
Death of man found in Saskatoon dumpster no longer considered suspicious
Saskatoon police say they’re no longer investigating the death of a man near St. Paul’s Hospital on Tuesday morning.
Barrie
-
Police search for answers after IED explosion in Barrie, Ont. parking lot
Police in Barrie continue to canvas a west-end neighbourhood, searching for answers after a vehicle explosion at an Anne Street apartment complex Wednesday morning.
-
Police appeal for help finding 14-year-old girl missing nearly a month
Investigators are appealing to the public for help finding a 14-year-old girl from Georgina who hasn't been seen or heard from in nearly a month.
-
Gas prices expected to drop across southern Ontario
After rising 2 cents a litre Friday to 161.9, gas prices are set to fall Saturday.
Saskatoon
-
In defiance of judge, Sask. premier to force school pronoun rules into law
In defiance of a King's Bench ruling, Saskatchewan's premier plans to force a controversial school pronoun policy into law.
-
Saskatoon woman slashed twice in confrontation with machete-wielding youth
A Saskatoon woman is recovering after a harrowing incident in front of a city library in September.
-
Charges stayed for Saskatoon police officers accused in dog bite incidents
The Crown has stayed the charges against a pair of Saskatoon police officers accused in two unrelated incidents involving police dogs.
Northern Ontario
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Greater Sudbury man, 73, suffered medical emergency, died after crashing into house
MR80 in Hanmer is reopened Friday as Greater Sudbury police continue to investigate a fatal crash involving a 73-year-old man who suffered a medical emergency and crashed into a house.
-
Aggressive adult tries to force entry into North Bay school, assaults police officer
A 33-year-old man has been arrested following a frightening incident at a North Bay high school.
-
Toronto family shocked they have to rip out $20K synthetic grass putting green
A Scarborough family said they were shocked to get a notice from the City of Toronto that the artificial grass in their backyard, including a putting green, will have to be ripped out.
