Program tool 23 - Active Independent Aging

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Program tool 23. Template for a letter to city hall

This tool is an example of how to write a letter to city hall to report a hazard.

Title	Mr./Ms./Title (contact the local government office to check proper title and address)
Address	Address Date Dear (Mr./Ms./Title) Name:
Describe the issue	I am writing to express my concern about the limited time allotted for pedestrians to cross the intersection at the corner of Smith and Gordon. I have timed the walk signal on several occasions and it allows only one minute and 35 seconds. This is not enough time for many of the older adults to cross safely. This intersection is used frequently by many seniors on their way to the Buymore Mall.
Tell more about why this is important	I am 68 years of age and healthy and active. However, I find I have to walk very quickly to make this crossing before the light turns red. I have observed other, less active seniors, mothers with small children and persons with disabilities hurrying to make the other side of the road. It is a dangerous situation. They are at risk of a fall and possible injury because they are hurrying. Or they are at risk from the traffic because they are still on the road when the light changes
Request	I would appreciate it if you could forward my concern to the traffic department for their attention. I hope they will be able to adjust the timing to make this pedestrian crossing safer.
Ask for follow-up	Since I am not familiar with how decisions are taken with respect to traffic issues, I would also appreciate information on what kind of response I might expect, and how I could follow up with the appropriate person.
Conclusion	Thank you in advance for any assistance you are able to provide. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, [Signature]
Contact Info	Mary Smith 123 Apple St. Ottawa ON K2J 1E3 Tel: 613-123-4567

Active Independent Aging was a joint venture between the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. For more information please visit our website at: www.falls-chutes.com. Funding provided by Health Canada/Veterans Affairs Canada Falls Prevention Initiative. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the official policies of Health Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. The information in this handout is current as of 2004.

Program tool 22

Program tool 24

Last modified May 20, 2004