Councillors here are pleased Ontario Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca visited Puslinch recently for a firsthand look at the need for a Highway 6 bypass around Morriston.
“It was an excellent meeting with Minister Del Duca and I’m very appreciative he took time out of his busy schedule to come see us that day and to personally go on a tour to see the situation firsthand,” said Mayor Dennis Lever.
He noted Del Duca had committed to the site visit during a meeting with Puslinch representatives earlier this summer in Toronto.
Lever said after the subsequent tour, Del Duca met with a number of industry representatives, such as the Hamilton Harbour and Airport, the Ontario Trucking Association, the Chamber of Commerce and Comcast Ltd.
“I think all went well and (Del Duca) asked us to be patient,” said Lever.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer asked how the traffic was in Morriston that day.
Lever said “amazingly enough it was at 10am when the meeting was held and the road was quite busy. The minister picked up on that … that it was that busy even at that time of day.” While people were not lined up to get through the stoplights, traffic was quite busy for that time of day, Lever noted.
A letter received from Rory McAlpine, government and industry relations senior vice president of Maple Leaf Foods Inc., echoed those comments.
In last month’s meeting at Queen’s Park, which included the minister, the mayor, councillor Susan Fielding and Puslinch industry leaders, McAlpine noted, “We believe that the project fits well with your government’s goals for Ontario and we look forward to a positive decision on its funding in the near future.
“In the meantime, if you or your dedicated MTO officials have any questions or information needs, please let us know. Thank you for your leadership in strengthening the provincial transportation system for the benefit of all Ontarians.”
McAlpine added those involved appreciated Del Duca taking the time to view the situation and learn more about the benefits of the project.
