Glen Allan residents say there are major problems in their community that threaten the safety of the people living there.
A delegation of Glen Allan residents – including one who prior to the meeting called the hamlet the “forgotten” portion of Mapleton Township – attended council last week to address five problems.
Hilary Bowers-Walsh, who represented those in attendance, told council the residents of Glen Allan were polled earlier this year and the 164 people who responded and signed a petition were unanimous in their belief that all five problems “need immediate attention.”
The problems identified by residents are:
– the “extremely poor” condition of Wellington Road 45;
– “inadequate maintenance” of the centre line on Sideroad 17 from Highway 86 into the hamlet;
– the “lack of clear visibility” in both directions approaching the sharp curve on Sideroad 17;
– speeding in the hamlet; and
– inadequate lighting approaching and within Glen Allan park.
Wellington Road 45
Bowers-Walsh told council that apart from the new section of the road that was included as part of the Glen Allan bridge project last year, Wellington Road 45 is “more pothole than road.”
She has heard a portion of the road is due for reconstruction soon, but said residents feel the entire stretch through the hamlet should be rebuilt.
“In large sections the asphalt is crumbling or absent altogether along the shoulders of the road,” she said.
Bowers-Walsh added that in many spots the shoulder of the road is “uneven, sloped, and rutted” – including a section adjacent to community mailboxes – which makes travel unsafe for pedestrians.
Mayor John Green replied that Wellington Road 45 is in the county’s five-year plan, though he was not exactly sure when it is due for reconstruction. He said he would look into it.
As for the community mailboxes, Public Works Director Larry Lynch said the township could talk to Canada Post about moving them.
Lines and trees
on Sideroad 17
Sideroad 17 is a main access road to Glen Allan, and currently the yellow centre line is “barely visible,” Bowers-Walsh said.
She added the line is “crucial” for drivers to safely navigate the road, especially during poor weather conditions and in the winter.
She also noted that visibility is restricted approaching the curve from both directions because of overgrown trees and shrubs along Sideroad 17. She added that Lynch agreed the trees and shrubs are overgrown during a recent meeting.
Lynch said his department will address the fading centre line – there is over $15,000 earmarked for line painting in the 2008 budget – as well as the overgrown trees this summer.
Excessive speed
Speeding through Glen Allan is a regular occurrence, particularly on weekdays from 6 to 9am and 5 to 7pm, as well on Sunday evenings as people make their way home from cottages, Bowers-Walsh said.
“Our feeling is we really have been lucky not to have children injured,” she told council, noting that speeding is of a particular concern around the park.
Her husband, Richard Walsh-Bowers, said even some school bus drivers exceed the speed limit in the hamlet, and residents “rarely see any concern from the OPP.”
They are asking that the speed limit be lowered to 40km/h, the area be designated a community safety zone, and the police presence in the area be increased.
Green said because Wellington Road 45 is a county road, the ultimate decision on the speed limit rests with county councillors, though Mapleton council could make a recommendation to that effect.
The mayor added that he has, in the past, inquired with the OPP about increased monitoring in and around Glen Allan, and he would do so again.
Councillor Jim Curry asked who makes the decision on whether or not the area is a community safety zone. Green replied he thinks it’s the township’s responsibility, but said he would clarify the issue at the county level.
Park lighting
The replacement of the bridge and re-configuration of the park has resulted in fewer lights, which is a safety issue for all who use the park, Bowers-Walsh said.
“One light at the approach to the bridge is insufficient,” she said. She also told council residents would like to have at least the amount of lighting that was present before the bridge replacement.
Green told the residents he is aware of the issues at the park, including the lack of lighting and how cars are driving right through the park and down to the Conestogo River.
“We should see action on that this summer,” Green said.
The mayor explained that for so long the priority in the hamlet was the bridge, and the road and the park may have taken a back seat to that project.
But now, he added, the county is working on addressing the lighting as well as installing large rocks ensure no vehicle can drive through the park.
Lynch said the residents likely won’t have all their requests completed this year because of budget constraints.
But he added the township will take care of the line painting and tree trimming and will work with Rick Dale, of the county’s engineering depart-ment, on the other issues.
Lynch concluded the conversation by saying he would also keep in contact with Bowers-Walsh as the township works through the issues.
