Bold warning to drivers: Google Maps is steering you through private property and open fields around the Aberdeen Road closure.
The District of Coldstream is alerting residents about incorrect navigation routes that Google Maps is currently suggesting for the Aberdeen Road sewer enhancement project. The road is closed for ongoing improvements, yet some routes direct travelers toward Rendell Drive, Shamanski Drive, Paisley Drive, Heritage Lane, and Stenquist Park via private property or unpaved areas.
What this means in practice: drivers may be directed through private lots, past-backyard access points, or across undeveloped fields that are not safe or legally permitted. The municipality emphasizes that these paths are neither legal nor safe, and they discourage parking or walking through private property or driving along fields or other informal routes.
To counter this, Coldstream staff were installing clear signage on Friday to guide motorists to the correct access points and ensure safe, legal entries to residences and locations off Aberdeen Road.
Key takeaways for residents and visitors:
- Do not rely on Google Maps for Aberdeen Road access during the sewer project.
- Follow posted public access points and designated routes instead of attempting shortcuts through private property.
- Heed the new signage and official guidance to reach Rendell Drive and nearby streets safely.
Controversial angle to consider: Should navigation apps be held to higher standards or provide real-time safety advisories when roads are closed or under construction? How much responsibility should tech platforms bear for routing around municipal closures? Share your views in the comments: do you trust these apps, or do you rely more on official signs and local guidance?
If helpful, the district notes that staff will continue to monitor and update access points as work progresses, aiming to minimize confusion and keep everyone safe.
