Editor,
On October 27, we attended an open house session at Meaford Hall, presented by the town, to learn about the St Vincent St sewer repair and reconstruction planned for next year. Many St Vincent St and surrounding area residents were there. The town was represented by the Project Manager and the Manager of Transportation Services. There was a representative from the Engineers’ office as well.
The single most contentious issue was sidewalks. Specifically, the plan to install a 1.8 metre sidewalk on the west side of the street from Margaret to Boucher. There is no sidewalk there now. As well as enlarging the sidewalk on the east side of the street to 1.8 metres. The reason offered by the Project Manager and the engineer is a “transportation study” completed in 2020 that identifies St Vincent St as a major thoroughfare.
To a person, the neighbourhood attendees objected to the sidewalk for the following reasons.
1) It is completely unnecessary. Many streets in town have sidewalks on only one side. And it’s not like the sidewalk on the east side is so overrun with pedestrians that there is a need for more room.
2) It is a waste of money. Everyone felt there were more pressing issues in town that could be attended to. (I’m sure you can think of some yourself.)
3) It will mean the destruction of multiple well established trees along the street. We all know by now how aesthetically and environmentally pleasing the trees in our town are. The cavalier attitude to just destroy them was very offensive.
4) When the transportation study was done, there was still a school on the street. It is now abandoned and sold. Yes there is talk of a new school for K-3 on Aiken Street where the track is. Even if this actually materializes, it is unlikely that so many families with little ones in tow with be making the 5 to 6 block walk from Boucher to Aiken.
Unfortunately, there were no current or newly elected town council or mayor at the Open House. Rest assured, our neighbours are forming a group and plan to protest this when it goes to council for budget approval.
Beth and Brian Aitken, Meaford
