Most of the downtown revitalization work has been completed, but a business operator who would like to spruce up his own building told council on Oct. 25 the price has become prohibitive.
Ken Thompson, of Drayton Funeral Chapel, told council the company decided to work on its building while sidewalks and other work was being done to beautify the downtown. But he ran into a problem with Hydro One.
Thompson explained Hydro One’s policy is nobody can work within ten feet of the power lines, and “the cost is astronomical” to work with hydro to get around that rule.
“I can be fined,” he said if he puts a ladder against his building to do work. “It’s hard to do the right thing when your hands are tied.”
Thompson said “things are different” today from when the lines were put in close to buildings on the street. For once thing, voltage changed and working near lines has become a safety issue.
He talked with Hydro One officials and learned it would cost nearly $1,600 to isolate a transformer so the work could be safely done.
He wondered if Mapleton Township has any funds left over from the sale of the old Drayton Hydro (to Hydro One many years ago) and if that could be used to offset the hydro fees. He said his business and a variety store are interested in sprucing up their properties.
Township treasurer Mike Givens said he would have to check to determine if there are any funds left from that sale.
Thompson also had an issue with the way sidewalks were raised, and how the work affects some driveways. He said in his own driveway, the sidewalks created new angles, not to mention a tripping hazard, as well as the possibility that the funeral coach or a limousine could “bottom out” because of the new angle of the driveway.
Public works director Larry Lynch said he told contractors to stay out of private driveways when working for the township.
Thompson said others in town had work done to their driveway, and he wondered if the contractors took it upon themselves to do it. He said he had a quote to do his driveway for $1,200.
Mayor Bruce Whale told Thompson council would not be able to address the issues that day.
Thompson then asked if Hydro One can at least clean up some hydro line issues that have little to do with power supply today. He said there are three transformers in front of his buildings, and he believes at least one is disabled and could be removed.
Whale agreed it would be nice if Hydro One could relocate some of the lines and transformers “away from the downtown.”
Whale told Thompson he appreciates his efforts at beautification in the downtown.
Thompson replied, “It’s a start. I hope others will follow.”
Council directed staff to produce a report on the issues Thompson brought up, and to find out about any money left over from the sale of Drayton Hydro.
Councillor Jim Curry did not hold out much hope about that money.
“If there’s a nugget there I’ll be surprised,” he said, believing, “It was used for water and sewer years ago.”
