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Whistler helipad fails inspection again

Pedestrians fail to obey emergency traffic signals
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Transport Canada is satisfied with all the technical details at the renovated Whistler Helipad at the Health Care Centre, but more work is required before the pad can be used.

As part of a Transport Canada inspection this week there was a test of the traffic control system.

Trudi Beutel of Vancouver Coastal Health said there was a problem when, as part of the inspection process, signals were activated at the corner of Lorimer Road and Blackcomb Way alerting traffic and pedestrians to stop.

"Motorists and pedestrians ignored the signals," Beutel said.

This caused the Transport Canada inspector to issue a fail and further hold up opening of the emergency-landing pad.

At this point, Beutel doesn't know how much longer it will take before the helipad is operational. VCH will now have to work with the Resort Municipality of Whistler to determine what changes need to be made to the intersection signaling system.

"We want to get this rectified as soon as possible because now we have to go to a whole new inspection," said Beutel.