In the latest twist to the Swastika Trail saga, Puslinch councillors are now encouraging the Bayview Cottagers’ Association to consider renaming the private road.
Last month councillors stated their belief that council should not be in the business of naming private roads.
On Sept. 6 a new motion brought forward by councillor John Sepulis noted “concerns have been expressed to council with regard to the name of the privately-owned road Swastika Trail.”
The motion asks the Bayview Cottagers’ Association “to consider the renaming of Swastika Trail to a name of its choosing.”
Should the cottagers’ association move forward, the motion further states, the township “would contribute towards the costs to replace street name signs, up to a maximum of $500.”
Prior to discussion on the resolution, councillors heard from a delegation opposed to the road renaming.
Area resident Paul Wyszynski told council he considers it a “non-issue.”
“The bottom line is that this was brought up as a result of safety issues … which are being addressed,” he said.
Those concerns centred on poor signage and trees obstructing views.
Wyszynski said he spoke with a member of Puslinch Fire and Rescue who noted the issue was again before council.
Wyszynski said he does not believe council has the authority or jurisdiction to rename the road.
“It is the corporation (Bayview Cottagers’ Association) which owns the road that doesn’t want to change it,” he said, adding the matter is a “done deal.”
Mayor Dennis Lever explained the motion before council was to ask the cottagers’ association to consider renaming the road.
“We are not actually doing anything,” said Lever.
Wyszynski contended “there is nothing to consider … the whole thing got blown up … I think council has more important things to deal with.”
Councillors had no questions of the delegation.
As to the motion, councillor Matthew Bulmer said “I would support this direction as explained earlier.”
Sepulis said the intent of the $500 should cover the costs involved to replace signs and, “I believe this is something we have to do.”
With little additional comment, councillors later passed Sepulis’ motion.
“All we are doing is asking them to consider changing the name,” stressed Lever.
