The Council heard a report on the basic scope of work for the Olmstead-Jeffrey Lake Road project, from Highway 17 to Magnesium Road, including hardened shoulders, Acres Road intersection, rock cut no.2, and hot-mix asphalt as a provisional item.
Lane Cleroux said that they had received feedback from the residents from comments sheets sent to them from a PiC meeting with 28 citizens attending.
He said various options ranging from 1million to 1.4million were provided.
He said based on the comments, most of the residents only wanted a 40km zone and a 60km zone.
He said the recommendation presented was 1.8million for the DST portion, with the full scope being 2.2 million.
Treasurer Sean Crozier said that the Township’s debt limit came to 1.5million.
Councillor Jackson asked how many years Crozier was advertising it over, to which he said it was 10.
Councillor Jackson said she wanted to get a study done are the hardened shoulders, before spending the money and see the ‘actual price’.
“I think you’ll have to make a decision on tendering before you
Councillor Nicholson had “a page of notes on this”.
“This project has opened up a ton of questions about long-standing policies.” he said, citing the long term financial planning, DST cost, and community involvement.
CAO Trembley said that an asset management plan would also be imperative to planning for large projects like this.
Councillor Mackay suggested putting a shoulder just on one side, to which the Mayor said that the regulations require both sides be paid.
Councillor McLaughlin commented on his opposition to three different speeds, and supported Councillor Jackson’s call for assessment.
He also expressed concern for Acres Road and its paving.
“If it comes down to it, pave the road.” He said. “That corner needs it. Something needs to be done.”
Cleroux said that it could be included.
“The Acres Road section isn’t on our property, so we need to realign.” CAO Trembley said. He said that would be done as part of the process.
Reeve Regier expressed agreement that they “take a look at those hardened shoulders, and see what that price would be.”
“In the background, we need to determine policy.” Nicholson said. “When we have a number of users and need to make a decision, we turn to the policy. We’re putting the cart before the horse here, and we have to make a decision to tender the result.
“We need some kind of reference point.”
Councillor McLaughlin said he’d received “nothing but positive feedback” on the Zoom meeting with the residents. “The public were able to give their input. The public were much happier.”
“I always recommend having a PiC, even if it’s not required.” Cleroux said, pointing to the website to allow for residents and councillors to sign up and receive future updates.
Mayor Moore suggested advertising the website more in order to engage residents.
Councillor Nicholson said he noticed “almost everyone who mentioned rock-cuts deferred on rock-cuts.”, though Cleroux recommended Rock Cut 2.
Cleroux said that the recommendation was “For safety reasons”, due to the guard rail pushing over the cliff, due to washouts.
The motion was carried.
