Pop-ups – and I am not referring to a breakfast tart or dangerous threats on your computer – I am referring to a common problem here in Oak Bay: sidewalk pop-ups. They can occur at any time of the year but generally emerge after intense and powerful wind storms push up tree roots.
A few weeks ago a couple were out for a Sunday stroll along the sidewalk on Beach Drive just west of Oak Bay Marina, a route they had often taken, when the lady took a nasty fall. She was bleeding from her nose and indicated that her right wrist may be broken. While we waited for the ambulance it was clear that she had stumbled over a raised corner of the concrete sidewalk.
Early the next morning I drove by the same location and noticed a maintenance crew working on the sidewalk. The men were smoothing down the raised portion with a power grinder. They said pop-ups are so common that it is difficult to keep up with the occurrences.
Meter readers play an important part in ensuring the safety of Oak Bay residents. As part of their daily routine they inform the public works department of any dangers as they walk house to house.
We as residents can also do our part by reporting any pop-ups we stumble upon to the municipality.
Alan Gregory
Oak Bay