Roger Varley has been in the news business almost 40 years with The Canadian Press/Broadcast News, Uxbnridge Times-Journal, Richmond Hill Liberal and Uxbridge Cosmos. Co-winner with two others of CCNA national feature writing award. In Scout movement over 30 years, almost 25 as a leader. Took Uxbridge youths to World Jamboree in Holland. Involved in community theatre for 20 years as actor, director, playwright, stage manager etc. Born in England, came to Canada at 16, lived most of life north and east of Toronto with a five-year period in B.C.
Explanations would go a long way
Regional Councillor Jack Ballinger informed council this week that the Region of Durham is proposing to widen Regional Road 1 between Sandford Road and Ashworth Road. Mr. Ballinger said the region is considering taking 18 feet on each side of the road.
The councillor said the region will be seeking comments from property owners affected by the proposed widening. One hopes that said consultations will also involve the Township of Uxbridge, since the widening of that road will have a serious effect on the Foster Memorial. Taking 18 feet off the east side of the road would necessitate the removal of the entrance way to the Foster and would practically wipe out the small grassy area set aside for parking. The amount of parking space available for events there is already minimal.
I attended a concert by Poor Tom (Wanda Stride and Susan Luke) at the Foster last Friday. The place was packed to overflowing and cars were parked on both sides of the road. Taking 18 feet off each side of the road would surely have a negative affect on attendance at future happenings there.
It is possible that the widening would also involve some encroachment on the cemetery on the north side of the Foster, something that would not sit well with a lot of people. The cemetery fence would have to be moved back several feet, bringing it way too close to some of the graves. Would the graves have to be moved, also?
The proposed project would also mean the wholesale removal of trees along both sides of the the two-kilometre stretch being considered.
Which leads one to wonder why the region believes the project is necessary.
Of course, the road is somewhat narrower than the roadway south of Sandford Road, but that doesn't stop motorists speeding hell-for-leather as they head north. One can only imagine the speeding that would result with a wider pavement. And if the road actually needs to be widened, why stop at Ashworth Road? Regional Road 1 is just as narrow going north into Leaskdale.
There are many questions to be asked about this proposal and I would like to think the region will hold public information sessions at which answers can be can be provided. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
I understand that our politicians are elected to work for us and make decisions on our behalf. But sometimes they need to take the time to explain those decisions to us. I would say this is one of those times.
Although Mr. Ballinger's announcement was an informal part of council proceedings, oddly no members of council raised any questions. I suspect they are waiting to receive official word of the proposed road widening. But my experience with local council and the Uxbridge public works department tells me that once a road project is on the books, it is darned near impossible to stop it.
It seems to me that, if that is the case, our politicians need to get involved in the process earlier. Road work is not inexpensive and spending huge amounts on projects that, on the face of it, appear unnecessary and have the added potential of negatively affecting a community demands no less.
Tell me, am I wrong?
