Fatal hit-and-run in Canmore sparks renewed calls for pedestrian overpass
The hit-and-run death of a 20-year-old woman on the Trans-Canada highway on Sunday has sparked renewed calls for a pedestrian overpass in that area.
Jessie Loucks brought forward a petition to Canmore town council in 2018 with signatures from citizens asking for the infrastructure.
She says politicians at all levels of government have shifted responsibility for building one.
"Nobody wants to put their name on a big price tag that they think is not necessarily going to generate revenue, which is extremely frustrating," said Loucks.
"Because it’s not about revenue, it’s about protecting the people that live here."
Loucks, who lived along Palliser Trail, says she used to cross the highway when coming home from work.
"At three in the morning after working a shift down at the bars, I would walk home and play Frogger with the cars," she said.
When Loucks began the petition, she wanted to present council with a list of concerned citizens demanding something be done about the problem.
She estimates that roughly 80 people cross the highway daily.
"What I warned them about in 2018, that was my opening line: 'are we going to wait until someone dies,'” she said. "And now someone has."
On Monday, friends of the victim, who hasn't yet been identified, were seen laying flowers near the spot where her body was found.
Mayor Sean Krausert declined requests for an interview, instead issuing a statement.
"Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the woman," said Krausert.
"Unfortunately, we will not be able to comment any further until we find out the circumstances surrounding this tragic event."
Coun. Wade Graham, who campaigned on pedestrian safety in the area during the last election, also declined an interview, saying that "more information is needed" about the woman’s death.
RCMP said Sunday it was a passerby that notified them about a body on the road.
RCMP closed the highway down for several hours, redirecting traffic off of Highway 1 east.
Investigators are trying to determine why the woman was in the area behind the Visitor Information Centre and who is responsible for her death.
If you have any information on the incident you're asked to call the Canmore RCMP detachment at 403-678-5516 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.