Residents along Yatton Sideroad feel the condition of the road is “a disgrace” and are asking the township to improve it.
About 15 area residents were part of a delegation at the April 8 meeting, presenting council with a petition containing over 20 signatures.
“This is a main road used by many trucks, buses and other vehicles. Some of us have requested that this road be upgraded and paved in the past and last week we were informed that it’s not on the agenda for the upcoming years,” the petition states.
“We feel this is a disgrace to the township having a road in this condition. It would not be tolerated if it was in the Drayton or Moorefield area.”
Councillor Andy Knetsch took exception to the suggestion the road would be repaired if it was near Drayton or Moorefield. “I do not agree with that. We as a council do not play favourites, we look at the entire municipality,” said Knetsch.
He added, “If one looks at some of the roads, for instance in Drayton, we are also in dire need.”
However, councillor Neil Driscoll agreed little road work has been done recently in the area in question.
“I do see your point – the bottom corner of what I call Peel township hasn’t had a lot of work for a while,” said Driscoll.
Paul Bauman, a spokesman for the delegation, said he has lived along Yatton Sideroad for 45 years.
“I’ve seen very little improvement to the base construction of this road and it seems that every year it’s deteriorating,” he told council. “One of the biggest concerns we have is for road safety.”
Bauman said the residents’ concerns focus on the stretch of the sideroad between Yatton and Floradale Road. He noted they understand that part of the road forms a boundary with Woolwich Township and encouraged council to work with that municipality to find a solution.
“I’ll commit to having a close look at it when we go over our roads,” said Mayor Bruce Whale. However, the mayor said council couldn’t commit to specific action until the township has a new public works director in place. “I think we understand your concern and we’ll certainly see if we can come up with an interim and a longer-term plan.”
