ELORA – Road construction, Moloks and termites were the hot topics at Mayor Shawn Watters’ town hall meeting on Sept. 17.
But the meeting, held at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre, also covered topics like development, street lighting and short-term rentals in the township.
Watters came prepared with a list of topics to discuss but opened the evening to questions from the floor.
“This night is really about you guys,” he said to a crowd of about 50 people. “Everything is on the table.”
Construction
If you’ve driven around Centre Wellington, you’ll be aware of the major roads that are under construction.
In Fergus, St. David Street North is a two-year project that will see water, wastewater and sewer infrastructure replaced and the surface improved with wider sidewalks, a separated bike lane and a new crosswalk at St. George Street.
This year work is being done between St. Andrew Street to just north of Garafraxa Street.
Next year work will continue on St. David, from Garafraxa Street to Edinburgh Avenue.
Members of the audience pointed out work is also happening on Garafraxa Street.
“People are boxed in. Could these not be done at different times?” asked one woman.
Garafraxa is a Wellington County project, said managing director of infrastructure Colin Baker.
“It’s been a challenging year to get around. We have coordinated (these projects) to the best of our ability,” he said, noting traffic calming measures have been added to side streets that have become the de facto detour routes.
It’s a similar situation on Gerrie Road, where infrastructure is being added to accommodate development.
Mill Street East in Elora is nearing the end of its two-year project; a new roundabout was constructed by the county on Wellington Road 7 at 1st Line; several bridges are being reconstructed or rehabilitated, and there are several smaller streets in the township under construction.
“We used to do roads one at a time,” Watters said. “Now we do several at the same time and that can be very frustrating.”
But it’s necessary, he added – to keep infrastructure functioning and accommodate growth.
Watters also noted the township and the Ministry of Transportation are in “high level” discussions about building a Highway 6 bypass.
“As we intensify and grow, we will have more people, so we’re really pushing that one,” Watters said. “We need a way around Fergus.”
Moloks
Council had discussed Moloks as a possible solution to garbage issues in downtown Fergus and Elora at its council meeting on Sept. 16.
Many people at the town hall wanted to know more.
Watters said the issue has not yet been decided and a pilot project is being contemplated, but he’s in favour.
“The garbage system we have now is 60 years old. It doesn’t look good. There are more efficient systems now,” he said.
Waste removal is the county’s responsibility, “but it’s also a growth issue,” Watters added.
He said the county is looking at waste diversion in an effort to lengthen the life of the transfer station.
CAO Dan Wilson said the township will work with the BIAs to develop policies and procedures around the bins.
If the pilot is approved and goes well, the township will explore adding them in both Fergus and Elora.
Termites
The township is exploring a termite management program that subsidizes the homeowner if they receive treatment from the two approved vendors of the product Sentricon, which has had positive results with termite eradication.
Some 500 homes are identified in Fergus and Elora as having active termites (red zone) or being adjacent to a red zone (blue zone) and under threat of infestation.
It’s a problem that is costly for the homeowner and treatment is most effective when applied in neighbourhoods in a coordinated effort.
The township hopes to get at least 60 per cent of affected homeowners on board.
Wilson said council is considering offering a subsidy to cover 85% of the cost of Sentricon to a maximum of $2,500 per home.
“We’re trying to get the community involved with it,” Watters said. “The problem won’t go away if we don’t have uptake.”
Wilson said if council approves the program, it could be up and running by mid October. Education will be an important piece of the program.
Plans, budget, projects
Watters also noted the township has several studies and master plans underway and many are seeking public feedback.
They include the:
- transportation and mobility plan;
- parks and recreation master plan;
- downtown municipal parking strategy;
- economic development and tourism strategy; and
- 2025 budget that’s currently in the works.
Many of the studies are seeking public feedback.
To weigh in on these matters, visit connectCW.ca.
Public feedback on the proposed 2025 budget will be open from Oct. 1 to 31.
The township is also holding a key projects open house at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex on Oct. 22.
This is an opportunity to learn about what projects are underway, what’s coming down the pipe, to meet with key staff, and to let your voice be heard.
More details about the open house will be released closer to the date.
