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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-5-83 4 r CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT R. DUPUIS, P. ENO., DIRECTOR HAMPTON,ONTARIO TEL.(416)263-2231 LOB 1JO 987.5039 REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 17, 1983. REPORT NO. : WD-5-83 SUBJECT: SNOW REMOVAL IN NEWTONVILLE RECOMMENDATION: It is respectfully recommended: 1. That Council consider budgeting for snow removal along either or both sides of the King's Highway No. 2 through Newtonville; and, 2. That if Council opts to provide snow removal on Highway No.2 through Newtonville, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications District Engineer be requested to pay Fifty percent of associated costs. i BACKGROUND: i Council Resolution No. C-1017-82 provided instructions to the Director of Public Works to report further on the subject matter. i I I V., AO), _ 2 _ Since early in 1982, there has been considerable discussion and correspondence with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (M.T.C. ) regarding the need for snow removal along the roadside in Newtonville. In accordance with M.T.C. Policy, the Ministry has advised that that agency does not pick up and haul away snow on any of the King's Highways through urban areas but that where pickup is proven necessary by the Municipality, the Ministry will assume fifty percent of the associated costs. The Municipality' s share is not subsidizable under it's Road Expenditure By-law. REPORT: During periods of heavy snow in the winter, accumulations along the sides of Highway No. 2 through Newtonville are so great that elderly pedestrians and school children face a safety hazard in walking in this urbanized area. Although this situation has existed for many years, area residents are adamant that it should be corrected. As noted above, M.T.C. will not become involved in snow removal to correct the situation, therefore, if it is to be rectified the responsibility falls upon the Town. It is estimated that the cost of picking up and hauling away snow in Newtonville, when accumulations are sufficient to warrant same, would cost the Town in the order of $2,000 per year. This assumes a year when average snowfalls occur. If the M.T.C. can be convinced that the snow removal operation is necessary, half of the above costs would be absorbed by that agency. - 3 - Prior to making a decision to provide this service in Newtonville, Council may wish to consider the following: 1. Increasing costs and anticipated reduced subsidies may require a reduction in the level of service provided by the Town. Funds spent in removing snow in Newtonville could result in further reductions in the level of service on Town-owned roads. Highway No. 2 is not Town-owned. 2. Providing this service in Newtonville could lead to requests for similar treatment in areas such as Highway No. 2 through Courtice and other urban areas of the Town such as Hampton. 3. If the Town opts to provide this service, it should be contracted out to minimize disruption to winter maintenance activities provided by the Town in other areas. 4. The situation with respect to accumulations of snow along Highway No. 2 in Newtonville has existed for many years. It is not considered unique to this particular section of road and does not appear to be any worse than on many other roads under the Town' s jurisdiction. Respectfully submitted, zx/�;\ R.G. Dupuis, P. Eng. , Director of Public Works. Ja u y 4, 1983. R co