WHITEWATER REGION – There’s plenty of items council wants to discuss at upcoming meetings.
Councillor Dave Mackay said the dock at La Passe is in poor condition. Also, the light is burned out and local people are hoping it will be replaced.
It was also suggested since the La Passe dock is very busy throughout the spring, summer and fall, that a port-a-potty be placed there.
It will be well-used in the summer, Coun. Mackay said.
Councillor Charlene Jackson suggested that all docks and boat launches be looked at by staff. There’s a huge hole at the Cobden dock that should be fixed, she added.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin said he has received concerns about the boat launch on Acres Road.
I think it should be placed on the priority list that we look at all the docks and boat launches, he said.
Sarcastically, Mayor Hal Johnson thanked the federal government for downloading the responsibility of the docks to the municipality.
Another issue council should discuss is the Emily Project.
Mayor Hal Johnson said it’s a project named after seven-year-old Emily Trudeau of Tweed who died in her family’s farm field in 2014 because there was no 9-1-1 sign at the driveway entrance, and emergency responders could not locate the field she was in due to there being no sign.
It’s hoped a 9-1-1 sign can be provided for each driveway to a farm field, even if there is no bilding on it.
He noted Admaston-Bromley Township is now participating in the project.
Councillor Charlene Jackson said the county was asked to take requests for signs, but turned it down. She’s hopeful if enough municipalities make the request, the county will take on the project.
Mayor Johnson said while the assigned numbers are the responsibility of the county to provide, it’s the property owner who must purchase the sign, which costs around the $25 mark.
That $25 is very important to saving a life, he stated.
Council agreed to discuss signage of all laneways/driveways at an upcoming physical services committee meeting.
Councillor Mackay’s final request for discussion was getting road allowances opened to the Ottawa River so the public has access.
He noted some road allowances, which is property owned by the municipality, have been blocked by landowners.
We may not take care of the roads, but they are ours, he stated.
Coun. McLauglin believes there is a bylaw in place regarding road allowances being opened to the public – Bylaw officer Doug Schultz said there is a bylaw that road allowances can’t be blocked.
So, let’s not discuss this, just enforce it, Coun. McLaughlin said.
Physical Services Manager Janet Collins said she will bring a report back to council.
Councillor Cathy Regier said there are complaints of excess speed on Robertson Drive by those coming off Grants Settlement Road.
She noted there is no advance warning sign that the speed limit is reduced to 50 kilometers an hour as the driver is nearing Robertson Drive.
I would like to see some type of enforcement, Coun. Regier said. No one stops at the stop sign as they come off Powers Road onto Robertson Drive, she added.
When questioned when the speed board signs would be purchased for the municipality, Ms. Collins said she just received prices and will bring a recommendation to a future council meeting.
