by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Hydro Bay Road) — Kevin Lamorie’s request to Whitewater Region council didn’t fall on deaf ears.
Mr. Lamorie attended the June 7 council meeting in hopes of having an extra 400 metres to 1.4 kilometres of Hydro Bay Road double surface treated. Council said not this year, but hopefully next.
Mr. Lamorie came prepared with a petition signed by residents who live on Hydro Bay Road. Part of it reads: The initial 400 metres will repair the terribly deteriorated portion of a steep hill and the resurfaced area over a poorly installed large culvert that was replaced several years ago. The amount of potholes along that stretch of roadway is far worse than the aforementioned portion planned to be resurfaced. Driving on this portion of Hydro Bay Road is extremely dangerous as drivers attempt to slalom around the potholes in order to save damaging their vehicles.”
He pointed out that the township’s roads crew have been attempting to keep the potholes to a minimum, but are losing the battle as there are more patches than the original road now. The cost in man hours to patch the road must be significant as they probably patch Hydro Bay Road a couple of times per month through spring to fall, he added.
While there is no certain way of telling what is causing the damage to vehicles, Mr. Lamorie believes some of it could be caused by hitting potholes that couldn’t be avoided.
However, the most common concern for residents in that area is the safety, not only of drivers, but people walking and cycling, Mr. Lamorie stated.
“Almost everyone I spoke to told me of a close call they had in the swamp as they were trying to dodge potholes while taking the curve and climbing or descending the steep hill,” he said. “Several people also stated bicycling along the swamp is an extreme hazard as there is minimal shoulder to drive on and along the edge is full of potholes and loose gravel.”
Pedestrians have a risk of being sprayed by loose gravel or being hit by vehicles dodging potholes, especially when there is traffic in both directions, he added.
Mayor Hal Johnson said council is aware of that section of Hydro Bay Road he is speaking. However, many roads within the township are in the same condition.
“We are working against financial issues,” he said.
The budget has already been struck, as well as partially spent, he added.
“By you coming here, you’ll likely get some service,” Mayor Johnson said. “I can’t tell you what it will be because we’ll need to discuss this.
“We try our best to make our roads safe.”
Councillor Charlene Jackson said the portion of Hydro Bay Road that is not being double surface treated this year should be done next year.
She suggested the roads crew could patch the problem portion of Hydro Bay Road instead of trying to fill the potholes.
“There are a couple of big potholes,” she said.
She said the portion of Hydro Bay Road between Westross to Mowat has “totally deteriorated. You can barely walk on it, let along drive a vehicle on it.”
She agreed with the mayor, noting the township’s finances can only go so far in fixing the roads.
Coun. Jackson said coming to council was a great way to remind them that this road should be a priority.
“The more we get people to talk about it, the better off for council to know where the dollars should be spent,” she said.
She also suggested the road could be brushed, which would help alleviate some of the problems as well.
Mr. Lamorie agreed, saying, “Anything is certainly better than what we have now.
“It’s treacherous to drive through there,” he said adding, “As a year-round resident, I look forward to the snow because it fills the potholes.”
