In response to the deteriorating condition of local sidewalks – particularly those in Alma and Moorefield – Mapleton council has decided to set aside almost $110,000 for sidewalk repairs.
The decision came after an Aug. 26 report from Finance Director Mike Givens suggested using part of a $1.16-million provincial grant to cover the costs for repaving Raglan, Rebecca, and Graham streets in Alma.
That would allow money previously set aside for those projects – $109,869 out of this year’s $275,000 resurfacing budget – to be put towards fixing sidewalks, Givens said.
Councillor Dennis Craven asked if there was any indication of which township sidewalks would be targeted.
Councillor Mike Downey, who was acting mayor in the absence of John Green, said Public Works Director Larry Lynch has indicated sidewalks in Moorefield and Alma would be receiving repairs.
Clerk Patty Sinnamon explained there is $25,000 budgeted annually for sidewalk repairs, but that amount is “not even close to what’s required” to address the amount of township sidewalks in disrepair.
“There are significant sidewalk repairs that need to be completed,” she told council, noting most of the work is required in Moorefield, with some in Alma as well.
Council unanimously approved a resolution to use grant money for Alma road repairs and to use the money previously set aside for that road work for sidewalk repairs.
Councillor Bruce Whale expressed some concern about the process, saying he hopes the petition does not mean the sidewalks mentioned therein will take priority over others that are just as deserving of repairs. Sinnamon said Lynch will be presenting a general report on sidewalk repairs.
