Proposed work on Highway 9 this fall at the north end of Harriston could become a challenge pending discussion with landowners in the area.
On June 8, Chief Administrative Officer Bill White said that in May, council discussed the issue and a subsequent meeting was held with Schickedanz proponents regarding its proposed development.
White said Schickedanz developers verbally seemed interested in “fairly sharing” the costs.
The current estimated cost is $1.39-million, which includes the road and some servicing into the proposed subdivision, as well as engineering fees and contingencies.
“The issue here is how much the other property owners would be willing to contribute to this project,” White said.
Further, discussion would be needed to see is to be removed to maintain the $400,000 in the budget. He said the recommendation is to receive the report and meet with the developer and landowners again “in an attempt to reach an agreement as to who would pay for what.”
Council could then decide to scale the project down, or add to the township’s portion of the project.
Deputy-mayor Terry Fisk asked for clarification on the deadline for the project.
White said it depends who one talks to.
He said connecting link funds had been given by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, which has not put an official time frame on the project.
“The worry is that someone will say – if you haven’t used it, we want it back. We’ve had no indication that would happen.”
Minto’s engineers have indicated the MTO has not asked for the funds back anywhere else.
But White felt it is important to keep up the momentum with the project “because there is the chance.”
He said council also indicated that it wants to move ahead on the project this year.
Public Works Director Norm Fisk said a meeting needs to be set up with Tim Hortons. “They are the big player here.”
He noted at the last meeting, its owners did not seem keen on contributing anything.
White added the biggest costs will be the storm sewers and turning lanes – the challenge will be to determine the responsibilities.
Council agreed to continue with discussions.
