by Connie Tabbert
Editor
COBDEN — Whitewater Region council received an update on county roads and projects by Steve Boland, manager of public works and engineering and Paul Moreau, director of developments and property.
Mr. Boland noted work will be done on the Beachburg Road (County Rd. 21). It’s expected the work will extend from the bridge just before La Passe Road through Beachburg to Jamieson Crescent, but only after the world kayak competition is complete. The cost of this project is$320,000, he noted.
“Just in terms of timing, you might wonder why so late,” he said, adding, “We did that intentionally. We did not want to be in the way of the (international kayak) games in any way.”
Other projects can be found on the asset management plan on the web site, he said.
A successful active transportation summit was recently held in Pembroke, Mr. Boland noted.
“County council is close to moving forward with an active transportation strategy on county roads,” he said.
It’s important people understand the importance of sharing the roads with four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles. There is now the metre rule in effect — which means vehicles must remain one metre away from a cyclist on any road, he explained.
He advised council it should consider including wider shoulders when reconstructing roads, understanding that is not always possible.
“We want to encourage people to travel from community to community,” he said.
Mr. Moreau said there is a map of some of the most travelled cycling routes in the county and many of them are in the Township of Whitewater Region. People cycle to various communities and while there will shop, eat and stay, he noted.
“Cyclists, like snowmobilers, bring their wallets with them,” he said.
When he speaks about economic development and cyclists, one of the questions asked, is “Do you know what that means for us or How much money is this bringing in to our municipality?”
Mr. Moreau said, “I think what it’s doing for us is it’s allowing us to compete with others. If you look at other counties and municipalities across Eastern Ontario, they’re all doing this. If we’re not putting this infrastructure in, we’re at a bit of a disadvantage when we’re competing against all those other folks in Eastern Ontario.”
Mr. Moreau said in August the county will be presented with a new draft trails strategy. Along with including the active transportation information, it will also include discussion on county forests, the CP Rail and the K&P Trail and the CN Trail.
Mr. Boland said county staff is there to help municipal officials and staff.
“I know your road superintendent has phoned from time to time and said we have a problem, do you have any ideas on how to solve it?”, he said. “We are more than happy to provide that support.
He noted that with limited resources, returning phone calls may not happen quickly, but there will be a return call.
The planning division is also open to municipal staff and officials, he said, noting the latest version of the county Official Plan review is now underway.
The most recent version of the Official Plan was presented to county council earlier in June, he said.
“We will now start the consultation process,” but we’re waiting for the province to respond to OPA 11 (which deal with Muskrat Lake), that relates to this municipality,” he said.
“We’re proceeding with the rest of the document and you may hear that we are out discussing the OP with other municipalities, but we will get to you,” he said.
Councillor Chris Olmstead was recently on the Quebec side and was “blown away” with the active transportation strategy.
“Cyclists are flocking to Gatineau Park. We’re really competing against Quebec,” he said.
Mr. Moreau agreed, noting the Quebec provincial government has put money towards the trail system for cycling.
Mayor Hal Johnson noted on the weekends, the Zion Line is quite busy with cyclists.
Referring to the construction to occur in Beachburg, Mayor Johnson said there are a few places the township needs to work on the underground pipe. Can the county give a heads-up when it’s going to happen.
Mr. Boland said he has already spoken with public works manager Bill Misener about this situation and will keep in touch.
When questioned by Councillor Dave Mackay if the sidewalk was going to be extended to Jamieson Crescent, Mr. Boland advised sidewalks are the responsibility of the township.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin questioned if there is any funding for roads. He noted Grants Settlement Road is extremely busy with vehicles and cyclists and making them safer for both should be a priority.
Mr. Boland isn’t aware of any funding, but county staff are constantly checking, and if any becomes available, will inform the township.
Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons said Michael Barber at the county has kept her informed of any grants.
“He’s been very helpful in sending information to clerks,” she said. However, the window to apply for the grants is getting shorter and shorter, she said.
Coun. McLaughlin questioned if the county has been able to keep track of the number of cyclists. He said due to the whitewater kayakers, he believes Grants Settlement Road is one of the busiest roads with cyclists.
Mr. Moreau agreed, noting many cyclists like Whitewater Region because it’s flat.
“There’s not a lot of hills like Foymount,” he said.
He also noted the county’s economic development department is trying to find a way of getting cycling numbers.
Councillor Cathy Regier said the county should contact BORCA (Beachburg Off road Cycling Association), which is very active in the community, especially maintaining trails.
Mr. Moreau said the county is in contact with them, because BORCA volunteers take care of the Beachburg forests for the county.
“Through that group, there is trail improvements and they set up obstacles for the mountain bikers,” he said.
Mayor Johnson said Whitewater Region is a beautiful township and the future looks great.
