Speed limit on dangerous turn to be reduced
Hartland Council has decided to lower the speed limit to address concerns of a dangerous turn that has been the site of fatal motor vehicle collisions.
The council spent about 30 minutes during a regular council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13, discussing ways to address the turn on Rockland Road, which connects the town of Hartland with the community of Coldstream.
Public Works Director Jed Giberson recommended lowering the speed limit to 50 kilometres per hour for the entire road rather than changing it from 50 to 80 and back to 50 again.
Deputy Mayor Stewart Fairgrieve asked if the town had consulted with the farming operations on the road, to which Giberson said no consultation had taken place. Coun. Sam Walton noted there is a private driveway at a gravel pit and Coun. Jason Smith added nobody would want speeding vehicles approaching areas with large equipment coming onto the roadway.
Smith said he spent an hour taking photos and video of the turn the previous day and observed speeding vehicles and deteriorating road conditions. He noted the shoulder of the road surface is broken down, with crowning in the centre.
“There is no safe way to navigate that turn,” said Smith.
The councillor noted he also wants to see more bus loading zone signs entering the turn.
After reviewing what he witnessed, Smith said he saw over 80 vehicles navigate the turn in an hour, with trucks travelling above the current speed limit.
Coun. Walton noted that motorists are in danger no matter which direction they enter the turn, with “no time to stop for a bus if you are travelling 80 kilometres per hour.”
Walton said there is also a high volume of wildlife crossing the roadway due to running water and corn fields in the area.
“I think the 50 [speed limit zone] is a great idea from the top of the hill,” said Walton.
“It’s going to take some education. I think we need to put out to the public that this is going to happen. It’s going to take some time for people to get used to traveling down that hill 50 kilometres per hour but it’s a much needed change.”
Coun. Walton said the town should go to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) with the plan to lower the speed limit in order to keep good faith. Coun. Wayne Britton and Coun. Smith both brought up the time-sensitivity issue, with school starting in the coming weeks.
Britton asked about possibly fixing the road conditions before school starts in the fall. Giberson said it would be a capital project and wouldn’t be possible this calendar year.
Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant said council could make a motion on signage for the speed limit change and leave discussion of the road condition to the infrastructure committee.
Fairgrieve agreed with keeping good faith with DTI. Council amended the motion, ultimately passing a motion to consult with DTI about additional signage for the reduction in speed limit.
Welcome signs approved by council
Council approved a motion to approve welcome signs in the communities of Lower Brighton, Upper Brighton, Simonds, Somerville, Victoria Corner, Coldstream, Cloverdale, Waterville and Hartland.
After passing the motion, Mayor DeMerchant thanked town staff and council for working on what she called a “time-consuming project.”
Council approves funding applications, feasibility study of waterfront project
The town council approved a motion to adopt the Glenn Group’s feasibility review and vision for the town’s waterfront revitalization project. Also passed was a motion to approve funding applications to ACOA and the Regional Development Corporation.
Town to apply for funding for variety of work
Council will apply for funding from RDC for various projects already finished, including repairs to the chimney, steps, and railing at the town library, sports and recreation equipment, picnic tables, and a refreshed sign for Charles R. Allen Riverfront Park.
Hartland Communications and Development Specialist Michelle Derrah said the town has spent $32,975 on these projects.
“We are not sure what percentage of that we could get back,” said Derrah. “It might be somewhere between 25 and 40 per cent but again it’s money the town already spent.”
Grants approved for legion roof repair, Coldstream memorial refurbishment
Council approved grants for the Royal Canadian Legion Hartland branch and Coldstream War Memorial caretakers.
The legion will receive $5,000 split over the next two years for a roof replacement, while the caretakers of the war memorial in Coldstream will receive $750 this year for a refurbishment.
Mayor DeMerchant praised the community work by both groups.
“The Royal Canadian Legion has been very active and supportive of many initiatives that we put forward, including contributions to the community complex, so we are certainly grateful for that, and this is a nice addition for them as well.”
