The Council of the Township of Whitewater Region received a report for information purposes as it relates to an update on the Foresters Falls sidewalk and boulevard project.
Roads Department manager Lane Cleroux said the County of Renfrew was handling the installation within the Forester’s Falls urban boundary, with the Township changing the sidewalks and installing a “three-metre multi-use pathway’.
He said that the hydro poles prevent the path from going across the whole length of Forester’s Falls, and that the Township was working with Hydro One to move nine of the poles so that both are on the same side.
He said the two options were to do the pathway as a single path on one side, or use a PXO to connect the two across, to be decided after the Tender comes back.
Councillor Nicholson asked if the reconstructed bridge would have pedestrian access.
Cleroux said that they would work with the County to provide a future length ‘out to the ball diamonds’ when the County decides if they want to go with replacement.
CAO Trembley said that he was for the option to keep everything on one side ‘keep with the Active Transportation Plan’.
“if we have one kick at the can for doing this right for the next 20-25 years, lets see what it costs. The second option is much more in keeping with the Active Transportation Plan, helps with the next phase of the plan with the culvert, and connects over the ball diamond, which we want to connect to from a safety perspective.”
“I understand the ball diamond is not being used very much.” Councillor McLaughlin said. “I understand the traffic is for the playground. Maybe to be more cost-efficient, I think maybe the playground could be moved to the village side of the bridge. I’m just looking at the dollars.”
“Probably much like Councillor McLaughlin I’m through this community almost daily, and I think it’s the first time since I was a teenager that this community got some love. “Councillor Olmstead said. “This used to be a really vibrant community, it was a really bustling community, and I think over time it just got lost in the mix.”
He asked if the next phase of the plan extended the work to Grant Settlement Road, which Cleroux said he would check into.
There were no other questions, and the motion was carried.
