Masset RCMP Sgt. Grant MacDonald is calling for a lower speed limit on a stretch of Highway 16 south of Masset, saying that the growing population in New Town means more pedestrians and a greater possibility of accidents.Sgt. MacDonald told Masset council Monday night (Feb. 8) that there was a near-tragedy in January when a truck hit a man near New Town. There are no sidewalks and no street lights in the area.With Old Massett poised to build a new apartment building in New Town, Sgt. MacDonald said he wants to find a way to improve safety for the many people who walk into Masset along the highway, and believes that a 60 km/h speed limit could be one way to do that. However, he said, he wanted to consult with the two village councils before advocating further for a lower speed limit.Mayor Barry Pages said he was supportive."I think it's definitely going to be a high volume traffic area in the near future," he said.Sgt. MacDonald also said it would be good to see Masset and Old Massett work together to put up lights and sidewalks or barriers on the stretch of highway between New Town and Masset.