Though it might be a nice dream, Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton does not believe Wellington County will financially support the township’s plan to replace the Victoria Street bridge here.
The item came up for discussion at the Nov. 30 council meeting, in part, due to Wellington County Ward 5 councillor Rob Black’s update on county activities.
Discussion came on the heels on earlier questions by councillor Fred Morris regarding roads rationalization within Wellington.
Black responded that he had done some investigation and understood that while a study had been discussed, “it never was actually undertaken or completed.”
Black’s understanding was the view at the time was it was best that the county and seven lower tier municipalities collectively look after one another.
Councillor Steven VanLeeuwen asked for clarification on that decision.
Black said from what both he and Linton had been told, the study was never undertaken because it was uncertain what the outcome would be, and there was the potential to shift the dynamics of taxation if the county assumed more roads in the south and fewer in the north.
Linton added it was alluded to that some of the townships might not benefit as much as Centre Wellington “so there is not as much of a drive to move ahead with this.”
Black added the perspective of the county is to assist all municipalities.
Linton did agree that at some point the matter will need to be looked into.
Morris then brought up the issue of the rebuilding of the Badley (Metcalfe Street) bridge in Elora.
“This (replacement) is forcing the township’s hand in the $1-million construction of a Victoria Street pedestrian bridge in order to protect the economic activity in downtown Elora."
Morris said it seems these two bridges are inextricably linked and because the county is moving ahead with reconstruction of its bridge, are affecting what the township needs to undertake.
He asked if there was any response on a potential partnership to share costs.
Linton said there was no discussion … “I imagine that would be a real brief discussion. They are already seeing a $4-million investment in the Badley bridge which involves a significant upgrade as compared to what would happen in other municipalities.
“They do recognize the timing sensitivity, but the thought that the county would contribute to the pedestrian bridge. I don’t think that will go anywhere. It hasn’t even entered the equation yet."
He noted the county is also discussing the fact that the immediacy of the Badley bridge project was something it was not away of, so it is already causing some angst regarding a potential county tax rate increase.
Morris said that while the mayor’s belief the discussion would go nowhere was understandable, “because of what the county has proposed to do – regardless of the style of the bridge – I think whatever benefit is derived by Centre Wellington by the structure – it is ultimately of benefit to the county – for the simple fact that Centre Wellington is part of the county.
Morris said that perhaps the township should present a case to the county to assist funding the pedestrian bridge – a reasonable proposal that logically argues the township position.
Mayor Linton was open to the suggestion for the discussion – but did not believe an argument at this time would be logical – “in our minds or in their minds.”
Work is required for both bridges, and Linton did see the merits in coordinating efforts.
Councillor Stephen Kitras considered it “very presumptuous” before making a presentation “to assume the county will not be friendly to it … especially if one presented the economic impacts.”
