ELORA – Centre Wellington council will take a look at termites and the St. David Street reconstruction project in Fergus, among other matters, at its committee of the whole meeting on May 17.
Last year council directed staff to engage Termite Research Services Inc., led by Tim Myles, to conduct a survey of areas of Fergus and Elora known to have termite activity.
Myles conducted a preliminary survey last fall and according to his report, there is significant termite infestation in Elora and Fergus. He provided maps that include a red zone – infested; a pink zone – adjacent to infested; and a blue zone – or buffer zone, that should be monitored for activity and where termite habitat should be eliminated to prevent expansion of the termite population.
Termites were found on 74 properties in Elora with an additional 45 properties in the pink zone and 130 in the blue zone. The report identified eight different clusters of infestation in Elora.
In Fergus, 79 properties have active termites and 61 are in the pink zone in one large cluster that encompasses seven blocks.
The report also states that, “No termite activity was found in the other two areas of previously known activity in Fergus.”
This data will inform a work plan and cost estimate that was not included in the report. The report goes to council for information.
Council will also receive a report with the results of public consultation on the reconstruction of St. David Street North in Fergus. Consultation was carried out in March and April and included input from businesses, agencies, advocacy groups and members of the public.
Four options are under consideration:
- Option 1: Replace existing surface as is;
- Option 2: Remove on-street parking lanes and increase boulevard/sidewalk width;
- Option 3: Include on-street parking from St. Andrew Street to St. Patrick Street; and
- Option 4: Separated Cycling Lanes.
According to the report, 41.6% of respondents prefer Option 1, 10.8% prefer Option 2, 27.6% prefer Option 3, and 15.6% prefer Option 4. Another 4.4% indicated they preferred another option.
Costs of the four options are not that different with Option 1 estimated at$3,900,000, Option 2 at$3,955,000, Option 3 $3,925,000 and Option 4 the highest at $4,015,000.
Each of the cost estimates includes $2,260,000 for roads and drainage, $675,000 for sanitary sewers and $800,000 for water works.
This report is also for information at this point, although staff will come back at a future date with a recommendation on how to proceed, for council’s approval.
