On Monday, October 3, 2016, Council proved its ongoing commitment to ensuring Pelham is a safe, walkable and cyclable community by approving an additional $196,952 for a new continuous asphalt sidewalk along Highway 20 from Timmsdale Crescent to E.L. Crossley Secondary School.
“The extension of a sidewalk to E.L. Crossley has been a priority for Town Council, the school, and the Pelham Active Transportation Committee for a number of years,” said Mayor Dave Augstyn. “We are delighted that students, pedestrians and cyclists will soon enjoy a safe 4.3km link from Rice Road to E.L. Crossley.”
Council reviewed an updated staff report indicating an opportunity to cost-share with Niagara Region as it resurfaces Highway 20 from Timmsdale Crescent to Cream Street this Fall.
The Town will pay for the sidewalk extension through an arrangement with the Region (who will front-end the funding required over several years) and by utilizing funds from two road rehabilitation projects that will not commence in 2016.
E.L. Crossley Principal Karen Simpson, along with Student Prime Minister Neenah Williams and Student Minister of Finance Abbey Loewen, asked Council on Monday night to consider constructing a 2-metre-wide.
Both student representatives noted that their peers wish to lead active and healthy lifestyles by walking to and from school and their part-time jobs or co-op placements. They also noted that the Crossley Cross Country Team currently uses that stretch of the road to practice and train. The students further presented council with a petition signed by 481 students expressing support for the sidewalk.
The Pelham Active Transportation Committee, who identified the sidewalk extension in their draft master plan, also supported Council’s decision noting the sidewalk will continuously serve the community compared to ongoing costs that would be incurred from busing and other transportation options.
For more information, please contact:
Dave Augustyn, Mayor
(905) 892-2607 ext. 317
Darren Ottaway, Chief Administrative Officer
(905) 892-2607 ext. 318
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