HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-55-844
CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT R. DUPUIS, P. ENO., DIRECTOR
HAMPTON, ONTARIO TEL. (416) 263 -2231
LOB 1J0 967.5039
REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF JUNE 4, 1984.
REPORT NO.: WD -55 -84
SUBJECT: ROAD ALLOWANCE BETWEEN LOTS 22 AND 23
IN CONCESSION 6 OF THE FORMER TOWNSHIP
OF CLARKE (OBRIST).
RECOMMENDATION:
It is respectfully recommended:
1. That this report be received; and,
2. That Mr. Fred Obrist be advised that Town Policy does
not make provision for upgrading or construction of
roads which have not previously existed; and,
3. That a copy of this report be forwarded to Mr. Obrist
to explain this position.
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REPORT NO. WD -55 -84
REPORT:
On occasion in the past few years, Council has been
approached by Mr. Fred Obrist with the request that the road
between Lots 22 and 23 in Concession 6 of the former
Township of Clarke be upgraded to allow him access to an
orchard on the west side of said road. In response to the
most recent request, Mr. Obrist was advised that his request
would be considered upon adoption of a policy for
maintenance of unimproved roads in the Town. The policy is
now in place and Mr. Obrist has inquired with respect to how
the Town proposes to proceed.
Early in May, the road was reviewed with Mr. Obrist
throughout its length from the 6th Concession to the end of
the maintained section at the Lowery farm. The southerly
300 to 500 metres is overgrown with fairly mature trees,
some of them probably twenty years old, and has piles of
earth and stone placed within the road allowance. There is
no evidence of a road, and the general condition would
suggest that one has never existed at this location.
The section between the northerly limit of this area and the
Lowery farm is generally cleared of trees and shows evidence
of being used quite regularly by farm equipment. However,
there is little evidence of a travelled road ever existing
through this section. No gravel or culverts have been
placed with the exception of a location where a watercourse
crosses the road allowance. Mr. Obrist admits having placed
the gravel and the culvert appears to be a used one, placed
by private individuals.
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REPORT NO. WD -55 -84
There is some sign of the tops of hills being graded off,
however, there is some substantiation that this was done by
farmers with their equipment as they proceeded to the
fields. While on site a location was noted where Mr. Lowery
had disked the road only a few days before. There are no
ditches along the road.
Mr. Obrist suggested that the status of the road be
discussed with Mr. John Stone, a long time resident of the
area, and a former reeve in Clarke Township. Mr. Stone was
contacted and he advised that to the best of his knowledge
the road has never been used for vehicular traffic, but did
accommodate horse travel at one time. Mr. Stone offered the
comment that, at one time, the question of opening the road
was considered and the Township took the position that it
would have to be realigned at the south end to line up with
the road to the south (Vicker Road) for safety reasons.
Town policy deals with maintenance of unimproved roads and
from the facts brought forth in this situation, there is not
a road to maintain. Substantial grading and gravel works
would have to be undertaken to provide a suitable road for
traffic. Furthermore, property acquisition would be
necessary for realignment at the 6th Concession.
Mr. Obrist has indicated a strong preference for access to
his lands via the road from the south, which possibility is
eliminated unless the Town is willing to construct an
improved public road through Concession 6. Town Policy does
not provide for same.
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REPORT NO. WD -55 -84
In summary, there does not appear to be a road, unimproved
or otherwise, to maintain, and without considerable
construction and associated expenditure, improved access to
the Obrist lands cannot be provided.
It is, therefore, recommended that Mr. Obrist be so
advised.
RGD:jco
May 23, 1984°
cc: Mr. F. Obrist