Due to unfavourable weather conditions, Mapleton officials have decided to stop work on Drayton’s downtown revitalization project, including the installation of new sidewalks.
“While we had hoped to complete most of the project this fall, the recent inclement weather, along with a forecast of freezing nights this week, has caused us to make the decision to shut down concrete work,” public works director Larry Lynch said in a letter delivered late last week to residents and businesses in downtown Drayton.
Lynch said the township’s contractor, GJR Construction, has completed “75% of the underground conduit necessary to wire new pedestrian street lights,” as well as “70% of the new sidewalk.”
In regards to the lights, he explained the poles will be installed as they arrive, starting last week, and about eight will be lit.
The rest can’t be lit because underground work at the Wellington/Main Street intersection will be delayed until spring.
“We feel it esthetically prudent to place the poles now rather than simply stockpiling for the winter,” Lynch said.
Sidewalk work will also be put off until the spring, and the areas not yet completed will be filled in with gravel, which will be maintained by Mapleton staff over the winter .
“We are confident the integrity of the downtown walking routes will be maintained,” Lynch said in his letter.
He explained the curing of the concrete and the stamped finish “will have a significant potential for damage if impacted by snow clearing operations, heavy equipment, salt brine and freeze-thaw activity happening during the current period.”
But he stressed the short-term aggravation of the work, which has now been delayed, will be offset by the long-term benefit. In the spring the township and GJR will resume the streetscape enhancement project, including:
– all sidewalk work and stamped edging;
– install ducts and wiring for three road crossings at the Wellington/Main Street intersection;
– complete all pedestrian pole light installation and light all fixtures;
– install banner pole arms and decorative banners throughout downtown; and
– install new street signs and poles in keeping with the Victorian theme.
“Drayton’s downtown is really taking on a new life,” said Lynch. “The new infrastructure is just the bones; it is the people who will give it life.”
