Al Lunney

I attended the meeting in Petawawa on March 11 of county and municipalities regarding the possible closure of the rail line through Mississippi Mills. It was extremely well attended and a full discussion took place over two hours.

As a result of that meeting, the following resolution has been prepared by the County of Renfrew and will be forwarded to Lanark County and all affected municipalities for their support. The resolution is on the Lanark County agenda this Wednesday night and will be brought forward to a Mississippi Mills agenda shortly. Further meetings will be held by county and municipal groups in Lanark and Renfrew.

The motion is as follows:

WHEREAS rail service is a vital transportation link required for the maintenance and development of sustainable and vibrant communities throughout rural Ontario;

AND WHEREAS the loss of rail service from Smiths Falls to Sudbury would represent a devastating economic impact to an area that has been severely impacted by the current economic recession and requires improvements to all transportation infrastructure to compete on a level playing field for community sustainability;

AND WHEREAS Canadian Pacific has issued a Notice of Sale or Discontinuance of Railway Line in accordance with the Canadian Transportation Act for the Chalk River rail line (mile 0.5 to mile 104.0) between Smiths Falls and Petawawa;

AND WHEREAS Canadian Pacific has also indicated that a Notice of Sale or Discontinuance will be given for the rail line between mile 104.0 Chalk River Sub and mile 70 North Bay Sub (Petawawa to Mattawa) and that a short-line operator will be sought for the line between Temiscaming and Sudbury only;

AND WHEREAS the federal and provincial governments have a responsibility to all Canadians and Ontarians, respectively, to ensure that vital transportation infrastructure that was established to serve all Canadians, with substantial investments by Canadian taxpayers, is not lost to the detriment of existing and future citizens of rural Ontario;

AND WHEREAS, rail transportation is an environmentally responsible means of transporting goods, particularly in the face of rising energy and transportation costs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:

THAT the federal and provincial governments commit to a funding program that will permit the economic viability of short-line railways, thereby maintaining valuable railway transportation infrastructure corridors;

AND THAT this resolution be forwarded to all municipalities between North Bay and Sudbury, the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, MPs and MPPs representing constituents in the affected areas, the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Transportation, Geoff Hare, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Transportation Agency, and Rick Poznikoff, Canadian Pacific Railway.

Posted in Closure of rail line, County, Issues, Mississippi Mills | No Comments »

On February 22 at the Good Roads conference in Toronto, I appeared before the Ministry of Tourism for Ontario and made the following presentation on behalf of the County of Lanark.

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On January 5, 2010, Lanark County learned that Canadian Pacific Railway was planning to close the OVR line from Smiths Falls to Petawawa as quickly as possible. There are 104 miles of track and multiple trestles between these communities.

 The Canada Transportation Act lays out the legislative/regulated process which CP must follow to complete their goal. The legislation provides for a three staged process:

• Offer the line to another railroad to operate
• Offer to government in a priority order at net salvage value
• Discontinue/dismantle the rail line and create a real estate transaction to sell the rail bed to one party

On February 1, 2010, CP Rail advertised to obtain expression of interests from other railroad operators.  April 5^th, 2010 is the closing date   Assuming they receive an interest they have six months to negotiate a deal.

Assuming no railway interest,  offers will be made to government to acquire the line at net salvage value.  Assuming no government interest,  CP will discontinue and dismantle the line within sixty days without further notice. By September, the tracks will be gone with only a road bed remaining.

The question becomes: what economic development and tourism opportunities will be lost to the province, the county and the local municipalities if we do not act?

Council Position

Lanark County Council has taken the position of opposing the discontinuance of the OVR line. Discontinuing this line precludes the ability to attract manufacturing/industrial opportunities which require access to rail. We also believe that the future of transportation in Canada will see a resurgence of passenger rail. Why should we abandon existing assets which can never be replaced?

If retaining the rail line is not achievable we need to protect the right-of-way as a future trail for the public. Snow mobile, ATV, walking and riding trails are becoming very popular. We are looking for the provincial government to partner with the counties of Lanark and Renfrew to protect this right-of-way for future generations. Timing becomes the first critical factor with which we must deal. August is around the corner and after that it may be too late.

Factors for Consideration

If CP dismantles the line the tracks will go, but what about the trestles? If the trestles are demolished, the goal for a continuous trail cannot be achieved. If the trestles are retained, they do not have any safety railings today and therefore cannot be safely used.  Many of the trestles are historic so there could be potentially a significant remediation, maintenance and/or repair bill attached to their retention

If a real estate transaction can be achieved to acquire the rail bed, CP wants one financial transaction . We need the provincial government to work with Lanark and Renfrew to acquire and finance this transaction.

CP is required to undertake an environmental assessment as part of the decommissioning.  Although it will identify contamination, remedial action is not required. Regardless of ownership the municipalities will be left with a legacy of contamination, in their community, without remediation.

Third party liability is always a concern for property owners . Who will be accountable for providing protection to the public on an abandoned railway line?  Community safety is paramount since people are already taking advantage of no trains by walking the tracks and trestles.

Next Steps

Time is of the essence.  Has the province been involved in any other rail line closures where they have partnered with counties? Is there any funding available to undertake a feasibility study to determine the viability of creating a trail which could have a positive economic or tourism impact?

Lanark County is part of Region 11 of the Regional Tourism Organization. This region includes Renfrew and other county partners.  It would appear that there is potential to use this loss of service to our advantage by creating a unique experience within these rural counties if we act.  In creating these regions the Minister stated: “that the province took into consideration the tourists perspective, travel partners, common markets, natural landforms and existing infrastructure”.

Could the Trans Canada Trail be expanded to include this right-of-way?  We believe that a partnership with the Province of Ontario, Renfrew and Lanark counties is the only viable solution to saving this asset for future generations. How can we work together?

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Subsequent to this presentation, a meeting of the Counties of Lanark and Renfrew, with two representatives from each municipality, has been scheduled for Petawawa on March 11 at 1 p.m. in the Petawawa Community Centre. I will be doing the presentation on behalf of the County of Lanark. Councillors Ferguson and Lowry will be bringing forward Mississippi Mills’ concerns.  Mississippi Mills has 14 railroad crossings and three major trestle crossings, two in Pakenham and one in Almonte. This will be a major part of the presentation by Mississippi Mills.

Posted in Closure of rail line, County, Issues, Mississippi Mills | 2 Comments »

One of the most challenging issues that regularly comes forward at the County table is a debate over county and municipal responsibilities and should they be shared. At the end of the day, there is one taxpayer, so if there are efficiencies, they need to be addressed. Over the past few years, I have read reports that appear to say there are savings by combining numerous county and municipal responsibilities. But these reports have never been acted upon, as there has never been the political will.

In the fall of 2009, the current County Council hired a consulting firm to lead a discussion among County Councillors on the issue of “a more efficient way to do things”. Councillors attended two separate days on these issues, the last of which was held on Saturday, January 23. Our goal is to leave in place a plan for the new Council on issues that we feel need to be addressed.

During these two days, we looked at issues such as emergency services, planning, a county-wide official plan, public works, transit, finance, the environment and county-wide policing. The three major issues that came forward for more study by the combined staffs of the County and the municipalities were waste management, procurement, and a county-wide policing force. A more detailed report will be coming forward in the next month, summarizing our discussions and recommending “a way ahead” for future councils.

I will keep you posted.

Posted in County, Mississippi Mills | No Comments »

Lanark County Council elected Perth Mayor John Fenik to its top political post for 2010 during the inaugural meeting held Tuesday morning in Perth.

“I have an open door policy,” Mr. Fenik said as he thanked councillors for their support. “I will rely on everyone for input and help. I sincerely look forward to working with each and every one of you.”

Mr. Fenik was nominated by Drummond/North Elmsley Reeve Aubrey Churchill and Perth Deputy Mayor John Gemmell. He has served on Perth council for 12 years, entering his fourth year as mayor, and six years on county council. He has served on several county committees. He works for the Upper Canada District School Board, has a Bachelor of Social Work and has worked with children in addition to volunteering with several community organizations

He highlighted a number of priorities for council for the coming year, including finalizing a fire dispatch system, completing the Transportation Master Plan and associated development charges study, deciding on an official plan or integrated community sustainability plan, defining local municipal roles and responsibilities, expanding broadband internet service, undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of some county facilities, introducing a Character Always initiative for council consideration and working closely with the Town of Smiths Falls on areas of mutual concern.

“The agenda is ambitious but as I have come to know all members of county council and staff it is clear to me there is a level of skill, professionalism and experience here that is unsurpassed,” he said. “Working together I know the right decisions will be made, always keeping in mind the remarkable people we serve and this incredible place we call Lanark County.”

Mr. Churchill said he was honoured to nominate Mr. Fenik. “He has the experience needed for warden….He shows great leadership and team qualities, along with compassion and a desire for fairness.” He added Mr. Fenik has “boundless energy and enthusiasm” and handles situations with ease and professionalism. “With this kind of resume the county can be assured of good representation.”

Mr. Gemmell described Mr. Fenik as open and a consensus builder. “Diplomacy is his guiding light when making decisions.”

Tay Valley Reeve Keith Kerr was also nominated for the position by Tay Valley Township Deputy Reeve Susan Freeman and Mr. Dulmage. He has been on county council for the past six years, as well as serving before amalgamation.

Mr. Kerr noted he was recently afforded the time needed to pursue this position. “I enjoy the county and know the people.”

Following addresses by the nominators and candidates, councillors made their choice by secret ballot.

As he relinquished the chain of office, Mr. Dulmage described his year as warden as being an extreme learning curve. “I have been really blessed with the support of council and staff. I don’t think I have worked with a better staff.” One of his key accomplishments, he said, was passing the budget in principle during the fiscal year. “That is what I am most proud of.”

Several special guests attended the meeting, including past wardens, municipal staff, friends, family and supporters of the candidates.

Committee chairpersons were acclaimed at the meeting: Paul Dulmage (Carleton Place) for corporate services; Sharon Mousseau (Beckwith) for community services; Brenda Hurrle (Mississippi Mills) for community development; and Bruce Horlin (Lanark Highlands) for public works.

Mr. Fenik named a striking committee, which appoints members to various committees and boards. Council reconvenes Wednesday at 7 p.m. for its regular meeting.

Posted in County | No Comments »

Council and committee meetings have been cancelled for the month of July both at the county and town level as usual. This allows both council and staff to take a breather and hopefully squeeze in a few holidays. However, the offices are open for business as usual. I will continue to be available during the break. I look forward to continue seeing you at the numerous festivals in our community. Next weekend is Celtfest, with the Almonte Fair the following weekend.

Posted in Council, County, Mississippi Mills | No Comments »

In October 2007, the County of Lanark in cooperation with the local municipalities embarked on a program to bring high speed internet access to the rural communities. The first step in that project was to establish the network: by building towers, by identifying high spots in the county such as churches, silos, and establishing community nodes. As a result, by the end of 2008, high speed access is now available to 70% of the residents of Mississippi Mills. The difficulty of providing access to the other 30% has been mainly the rough terrain of our county. However, we have now received additional funding from the provincial government to address those problems. Our goal is to provide broadband coverage to virtually all residents of Mississippi Mills. You will be hearing more about Phase 2 of this project in the upcoming weeks.

Posted in County, Grants/Funding, High Speed, Mississippi Mills | No Comments »

County Council supported our motion unanimously and instructed staff to solve the problem immediately. I will keep you posted as events occur.

Posted in Almonte, County, Downtowns, Mississippi Mills | No Comments »

In response to concerns expressed by the community and from my own observations, I brought forward the motion shown below at last night’s council meeting. It was unanimously passed and has been forwarded to the county for discussion at tonight’s County Council meeting at 7 p.m.

The motion reads as follows:
WHEREAS the County of Lanark has commenced construction works on the Maclan Bridge, Almonte Ward and has closed the bridge to all traffic;

AND WHEREAS all commuter and local traffic is being re-routed to the only other main transportation route through Almonte (Main Street/Almonte Street)

AND WHEREAS there are approximately 12,000 vehicles per day that use this route;

AND WHEREAS it is becoming increasingly difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to either cross or turn onto these roads due to the constant stream of vehicular traffic;

AND WHEREAS the installation of temporary traffic lights would ease congestion on side streets and provide a break in traffic to allow cars and pedestrians to cross or turn onto Almonte/Main Streets;

AND WHEREAS the traffic congestion is related to the construction works on Maclan Bridge;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Mississippi Mills petitions the Council of Lanark County to install temporary traffic lights at the intersection of Mill and Almonte Streets at an estimated cost of $25,000.

Posted in Almonte, Council, County, Downtowns, Mississippi Mills | 4 Comments »

Major bridge projects underway in Lanark County

The County of Lanark is undertaking two major bridge rehabilitation projects this year, with an additional two in the planning stages for 2010.

ConCreate USL Ltd. has started a major rehabilitation of the MacLan Bridge in Almonte, with completion scheduled for Aug. 19 at a cost of $620,000.

“The county was successful in getting a Building Canada Fund Communities Component grant for this project,” explains Steve Allan, county public works director. “The provincial and federal governments cover two-thirds of the cost.”

The bridge was built in 1982 and this midlife rehabilitation is expected to extend its life by 50 years. It consists of repairing the expansion joints, approaches, concrete abutments and the sidewalk; replacing bearings underneath (which allow the bridge to expand and contract with weather conditions); repairing the concrete bridge deck and paving. The existing railing will be removed and then reinstalled.

Mr. Allan says the decision was made during the planning process and after a public information centre to close the bridge during construction. This, he says, is for accessibility, timing and safety reasons.

“With the bridge closed the contractor is better able to get the work done for less money and in less time,” he said. “This is particularly important because we know there are several festivals taking place throughout the summer and into the fall, so the idea was to pick a period when we could get in and out within 100 days without affecting all of them.”

Mississippi Mills Mayor Al Lunney says the county and contractor are taking into account the bridge’s location near Almonte’s historic town hall and they aim to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. “This facility has multiple uses, such as for weddings and recitals, and the county is working with town staff and affected businesspeople to minimize the effect of the construction on events and businesses,” he said.

Closing the bridge also improves contractor and public safety by minimizing travel through a construction zone. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians throughout the construction, but vehicular traffic will be rerouted via Ottawa Street.

“The contractors will be especially diligent to ensure no debris enters the river,” Mr. Allan adds. “This is being coordinated with Mississippi Valley Conservation.” Almonte’s water main and sewer line cross the bridge and will be properly protected to ensure service continues.

The second project is McIlquhams Bridge, built in 1964 and located on Cty. Rd. 15 at Mal’s Campground in Drummond/North Elmsley Township. Dalcon Enterprises has started the $670,000 project and is slated to complete it Aug. 5.

Except for a full closure May 20 to 22 to allow for the replacement of bearings under the bridge, one lane will remain open throughout the construction period. A public boat launch on the southeast side of the bridge is unaffected.

This midlife rehabilitation will address deteriorating pavement, and an obsolete barrier system will be replaced with an open railing system similar to the bridge at Fergusons Falls. Other work includes replacing the approach barrier system to meet current standards, installing new bearings and repairing concrete. Portable traffic signals purchased by the county last year will guide vehicles through the single lane.

“The work on this bridge is expected to add another 50 years to its life,” says Aubrey Churchill, Drummond/North Elmsley Reeve. “We expect traffic disruptions from this rehabilitation will be minimal since one lane will remain open.”

Two other bridge projects are in the planning stages for 2010. The Clydesville Bridge at Clydesville on Cty. Rd. 511 in Lanark Highlands requires major rehabilitation, including deck and curb repairs and upgrades of safety barriers. The estimated cost is $1.3 million, and the county has submitted this project for the second phase of the Building Canada Fund Communities Component grant.

Mr. Allan says one lane would remain open during construction on this bridge, which was built in 1966.

A public meeting about this bridge is scheduled for June 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lanark Highlands municipal office to seek input on the project, which is subject to budget approval in 2010.

The other major bridge project for 2010 is at Glen Isle, which provides the only access to the island straddling Mississippi Mills and Beckwith Township and serves 80 residences. It is a steel truss, single-lane bridge built in 1935 and moved from Galetta to Glen Isle in the early 1950s to replace a previous bridge at that site.

“We’re developing options now for replacement of that bridge,” Mr. Allan explained. “The most likely option is to use the existing abutments, which are still in good condition, and replace the bridge with a pre-engineered one. That process would take about a month.”

Mr. Allan says the focus of current research and public consultation for the next three or four months is to determine the best method to deal with access to the island during the month of construction. “We’re looking for something affordable that meets all the requirements for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and environmental issues. Options for access will be the focus of a public information centre to be held sometime in the fall.”

Posted in Almonte, County, Downtowns, Mississippi Mills | 1 Comment »

The bridge adjacent to the OTH requires major repairs and will be closed until August/September of this year. Pedestrian traffic will be allowed.  By closing the bridge permanently, the duration of construction and costs will be greatly reduced. Town staff is working with county officials and the festivals to ensure that weekends are kept free as much as possible. I do have concerns about the volume of detoured traffic, particularly as it passes Mary Street from the island and the traffic that goes up Mill Street.  Town staff will be monitoring this carefully.

Posted in Almonte, County, Mississippi Mills | No Comments »