Road projects could get council nod
Budget 2008
By Chris Simon

Several roads projects have received endorsement from a town committee.

That committee recommended nearly $150,000 in projects, during recent 2008 Operating Budget deliberations. While the recommendations must still be approved by council, $125,000 would be allocated to the reconstruction of Beach Street.

"Beach Street has been on the books for some time," said councillor Bill Van Berkel. "We have started some preliminary work and I would like to see this funding (allocated)."

Another $10,000 would be used for the repair and maintenance of road ends throughout the town. There are 32 road ends in Innisfil, with many needing repairs. Seasonal staff currently maintain the road ends, cutting grass and picking up garbage in the area.

Many of the road ends, which are owned by the town, are poorly marked. The program would help identify and label road ends that may have recreational uses, and reduce disputes between the town and neighbouring private property owners, said community services director George Shaparew. About $11,000 would also been allocated for centre line and edge pavement markings along several major town roads. The paint job will help reduce liability, increase safety and meet several residents' requests on local roadways, he said.

"This was to provide some extra lines," he said. "Letters from residents indicate a need for this, to help them stay on the roads."

Also, $3,000 would be allocated for the Paint the Town Yellow initiative, where broken sidewalks and curb cuts in Stroud, Alcona, Lefroy and Cookstown are repaired and painted by the Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee.

"The committee has put a lot of time and effort into doing these curb cuts," said deputy mayor Gord Wauchope. "It's not a great deal of money. It's in good faith to show the committee why they should continue on with the work they've done, to make sure these curb cuts are there for the disabled."

However, some roadrelated projects were declined by the committee. A plan to allocate $225,000 for the reconstruction of the Stroud Recreation Centre parking lot was deferred to 2009 budget deliberations.

Treasurer Ian Goodfellow says the reconstruction funding can wait until next year, since staff have already received funding to begin preliminary work on the site.

"Not supporting this funding wouldn't affect them too much this year. They do have some work to do (already)," he said.