Centre Wellington councillor Stephen Kitras is touting the idea of turning Middlebrook Road into a toll road because of the wear and tear from local gravel operations.
As part of Centre Wellington’s Oct. 3 pre-budget meeting, CAO Andy Goldie noted Middlebrook Road reconstruction work was scheduled for 2018-19 at a cost of $2.5 million.
He said the work was part of a lengthy conversation at council last year.
Goldie said the township’s asset management plan lists the Middlebrook project as one of the highest priorities based on its current condition.
Councillor Kirk McElwain asked if there was any discussion with the local aggregate operators about sharing of the cost of the work.
Goldie stated there have been no direct conversations with the operators, adding provincial regulations do not allow that.
However, he also noted the province is looking to increase the per-tonne contribution of aggregate operators to local municipalities.
“We are of the understanding that the province itself cannot increase those fees until it can show a financial rationale of why the fees should increase,” said Goldie.
In commenting on the deterioration of Middlebrook Road, councillor Stephen Kitras said there is a direct connection to area gravel pits.
He said the various projects on that road and connecting roads involved access to gravel pits.
“I think you could make a tremendously large case that (the gravel industry) is costing taxpayers a lot of money to subsidize the roads for them,” said Kitras.
He added he would like those figures submitted to the province to make that point.
Councillor Steven VanLeeuwen suggested the project be pushed back until there is additional information.
Kitras then said, “If it is not feasible by the province to allocate monies from gravel companies [we should] consider making it a toll road.”
He stated the township is now also looking at potential additional traffic from the Nestlé well site.
Goldie said he was uncertain the township had the legal authority to install a toll road.
“I’m not saying no to the idea … but there is a process,” said Goldie.
Councillor Don Fisher asked whether the township has itself looked at the financial impact of gravel operations on Middlebrook Road.
Goldie said the township has not done that analysis.
The challenge is being able to specifically attribute wear and tear to the truck traffic, he noted.
Fisher asked if Middlebrook would be rebuilt to current standards – or to deal with the heavier traffic.
Managing director of infrastructure services Colin Baker commented the road would be build for heavier traffic.
However, the road is also identified in the trails master plan and the possibility of bike lanes is also being considered, since it is a major cycling route.
Fisher said if there is special traffic, then there is a cost.
Baker agreed those costs could be quantified.
Councillor Mary Lloyd asked whether initial steps could include lowering both speed and load limits on the road.
Councillors decided to defer the project until staff presents additional information.
