Community representative outlines service deficiencies and public safety risks
At the Oct. 14 Lakeland Ridges municipal council meeting, Brent Saunders, a member of the First Eel River Lake West Association, addressed council on behalf of home and cottage owners.
Garbage pick up
Saunders and other property owners are concerned about First Eel Lake’s lack of proper garbage pickup. The area in question has around 90 residents from Watson Lane and Mill Road, with 12 to 14 of those being year-round residents. Currently, residents must take their garbage back to their homes or to the dumpsters located on Route 122.
He told the council that taxpayers are requesting year-round garbage pickup to accommodate year-round residents, or at least between May and October.
While a garbage pickup system was attempted in the past, it was deemed impractical. Some council members suggested having the rocks along the road removed to enable smoother travel for the truck. They noted that once the rocks can be removed, they would reassess the situation.
Brush removal
Saunders also noted that vegetation needs to be cut back along Route 122, particularly at the corner heading towards Stiff Lake and just after Mill Road. Saunders told councillors that there is a bush blocking drivers’ view of oncoming traffic, and asked the council if the bush could be trimmed for safety reasons.
“The speed limit is 80, but most people are travelling more than 80 coming around that turn, and you have a hard time getting off the road if somebody’s coming and especially if you’re hauling a trailer,” said Saunders.
The council agreed to fulfill this request.
Reduced speed and boat wash signage
On Watson Lane and Mill Road, Saunders informed the council that people are driving too fast for the area, which poses a safety concern.
Saunders said people are concerned that residents are not following proper procedures for washing their boats. He asks for a proper wash station and signage about milfoil weed.
The council suggested getting signs through membership, and said they would look into the situation.
Dry hydrant
Currently, Saundres said there is no easy way for firefighters to access water in the area in the event of a fire. To resolve this, he suggested that the council put in a dry hydrant in case of fire emergencies. Council made no comment or recommendation on this particular issue.
