Ward Boundary Update
The ward boundaries for the municipal elections in 2018 will change following councils approve of the new ward boundaries. This follows many months of discussion, public input sessions and staff analysis. I am pleased to report that I was successful in maintaining Ward 7 as a mostly rural ward and advocating for your voice as a “community of interest” to be maintained and respected.
Construction in Ward 7
The 2nd Line will be closed between for reinstatement of the road slopes, guide rails repair, and replacement of top asphalt. The work to be completed as a result of the June flood. The work will be from Tottenham Road to the Adjala/Tecumseth Townline and occur between October 6th-13th. Local traffic will be allowed access and all garbage and postal delivery will continue as normal.
The 6th Line bridge will be repaired following the damage which occurred following the June flood. The emergency repairs will occur from Monday October 23rd to Friday November 3rd between Tottenham Road and Sideroad 10. Local traffic will be allowed access and all garbage and postal delivery will continue as normal.
Cell Tower, 15th Sideroad
Monday October 2nd is the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting for a proposed cell phone tower at Sideroad 15 and the 5th Line. The tower is proposed to be erected at the west side of the Parsons ADL property. The staff recommendation is to approve the application. There have been two public meetings with the proponent and many residents have expressed their concerns with the location.
Terra Rock
On Thursday September 14th, His worship Mayor Milne, town CAO Blaine Parkin, Director of Engineering Rick Vatri, myself and concerned residents met at the Tottenham Community Centre to discuss the ongoing works at Terra Rock. There were many concerns expressed by the residents and staff was there to answer questions and to take suggestions. Following the meeting the following works have since been completed: Signage for animal crossing is being installed, signs directing the trucks to exit to the west only were installed, and enforcement from the OPP has been increased resulting in 15 charges. We have been told that the gravel material for the parking lot that was being brought in is now complete. The other concerns that were brought forward are now being worked on and will be incorporated into the Site Plan Agreement. I will continue to monitor the progress and supply updates.
Tottenham Airport (TAC) Update
The rehabilitation of private homes and streams that have been affected by the TAC works is now complete.
The truck counters were installed and the preliminary results suggest that the number of trucks entering the site is within the allowable amount of 190 trucks per day.
A resident had asked about “scales” that they noticed at the site. This is in fact a tire wash system called “Moby Dick”. As it is considered construction activity associated with the application it doesn’t need an ECA.
The town is waiting for the berm design to come back as TAC are looking to reduce the height of the second runway.
Jim Wilson MPP, MOECC, town staff and myself will be meeting at Tecumseth Pines on October 13th with Tecumseth Pines residents. The time is still to be determined.
Signage
The increase in traffic to our area is being felt by everyone who uses the roads for driving, walking, cycling or farming. Many of the people moving to the area are ex-urbanites and they are unfamiliar with driving on roads that don’t have curbs, lighting, lines, animals crossing, school buses, etc. I hear from people on a regular basis that they would like to see improved signage. Is there a particular sign that is missing in your area that you think would help to inform people and make the roads safer? Send me your suggestions.
If you have any interesting news or a business you would like to let Ward 7 residents know about, email me info@shiraward7.ca