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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2015-11-19, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015. Gowing to represent county at G2G meetings Continued from page 1 the Huron County Planning and Development Department, but hoped to have detailed estimates regarding the staff time that will be required for the trail in 2016. Chief Administrative Officer Brenda Orchard said she couldn’t be exact in terms of staff time, but that it would be minimal. One staff member would sit on the Working Committee, so staff time would simply entail attending those meetings. Fisher said she was pleased to report that a number of the concerns of adjacent landowners had been addressed in the report, but that the process was far from over. She said the ongoing consultation between proponents for the trail and opponents is not a “closed door” but that it will continue to evolve and concerns will continue to be addressed as time goes on. In relation to that plan, Fisher said, that it why the department has suggested that G2G Inc. take on the trail’s lease from the province for one year before the county considers assuming the lease. For lack of a better term, Fisher said this would give the county an opportunity to “test drive” the trail and see what problems may arise and what is involved with G2G Inc. as a steward before officially taking on the lease. The report suggests that the county consider taking on the lease in November of 2016. North Huron Reeve Neil Vincent continued his opposition to the trail, saying that the issues of adjacent landowners and area farmers had not been adequately addressed in the report. Council passed the recommendation with only Vincent voting against the report. CONCERNS/SOLUTIONS The planning department’s report outlines a number of concerns that have been raised by residents over the course of the process and has, through discussion with the Working Committee, proposed a number of solutions. What follows is a list of concerns that have been raised, followed by their solutions, as proposed by the county’s report. • The continuation of normal farm practices:Emphasize and explain the importance of adjacent agricultural practices in any documents, leases and signage. The trail, by minimum distance separation (MDS) standards, is not considered sensitive land use and a weed control policy will be addressed. • Fencing:A fencing working committee will be required, which would then be responsible for maintenance of the fence once it’s installed. G2G Inc. will work directly with landowners and the province to provide fencing, and will be looking at innovative fencing that will reduce trespassing. • Farm biosecurity:Input can be received from both the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Soil and Crop Improvement Association and consideration could be given to plantings or buffers on property by property basis. • Agricultural community and adjacent landowner representation:The Working Committee has been established and it will be meeting regularly with ongoing communication between the landowners and G2G Inc. that would include postings to the G2G website and letters to adjacent landowners updating them on progress and potential closures. There would also be communication regarding closure of the trail for a disease outbreak and perhaps during hunting season. • Unsafe road crossing at County Road 25: Unsafe sections of the trail will not be opened until a safe crossing is in place and a new culvert is proposed for this section of the trail. • Pets attacking livestock:A pet policy and a leash requirement is being considered and there have been no reported incidents of attacks in the 20-year history of the Goderich-to-Auburn Rail Trail (GART). In addition, township bylaws would have to be followed, where generally pets are required to be on leashes. There is also a degree of pet owner responsibility involved too, the report states. • Safety of rail bed crossing:The concern regarding collisions between slow-moving farm equipment and ATVS, dirt bikes and snowmobiles has been named as a concern, but ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted on the trail. Snowmobiles, however, are permitted. It is suggested that signage can be installed at access points or high-risk areas to indicate the presence of slow-moving vehicles. In addition, in areas where ATV use is prevalent, gates will be installed. • Accessibility of the trail: Policies on accessibility are being developed by G2G Inc. and wherever possible the group will ensure that the trail meets public accessibility standards. • Access over trail bed for farm machinery:In addition, existing agricultural crossings can be permitted. The report also noted that there are three agricultural businesses existing along the corridor. There will also be a consideration for stop signs where farm crossings are proposed. • Increase in ATV trespassers: Again, the lease will not permit the use of ATVs or dirt bikes on the trail and fencing, signage and gates at trail entrances will discourage illegal access to the trail. G2G Inc. also encourages adjacent landowners to report non-permitted uses of the trail. “ATV trespassers are hard to police as they circumvent barriers either by removing them or driving through adjacent fields until they can access the trail,” the report states. • Emergency Services access: G2G Inc. will consult with Huron County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on best practices and access on the trail. In addition, all road crossings would have signs with 911 information and the name of the road. • Floodplain and drainage issues:A full assessment of the corridor in regards to drainage has been undertaken and development of the trail may fix existing drainage issues. • Noise pollution/cigarette littering:Once again, ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted on the trail and hours of operation will be considered for the trail. Smoking is not permitted on the trail. • Privacy concerns: While similar conditions are present along the unregulated corridor and with public roads, unusual circumstances could be considered for fencing or screening. • Is there demand for a trail? Usage data for the trail will be assembled and economic benefits from other trails are also available. • Economic analysis of trail development:An analysis, including a cost-versus-benefits analysis will be undertaken. However, the report states, the majority of the trail costs will be borne by various stewardship groups. There will also be a number of grant options at both the federal and provincial levels. • Maintenance:Maintenance of the trail will be taken on by local stewardship groups. It will include drainage infrastructure, fencing, stone dust, rail bed upkeep, trimming plant growth, weed control and trash clean-up. The report also states that many local groups have already come forward in hopes of becoming stewards of the trail. • Increase in crime:The report states that increased stewardship and monitoring would ultimately lead to an increase in reporting illegal activity and a reduction in crime. Some of the specific incidents that have been raised are theft and the growing of marijuana. • Increased liability:Landowners have been concerned about being exposed to increased liability in the event of injuries, accidents and trespassers. The report states, however, that trail users assume all risks and landowners will only be liable in cases of deliberate dangers or reckless disregard for trail users or their property. The report states that reasonable practices will not attract any trail liability. • Litter:There will be clearly marked garbage and recycling bins and signage depicting the importance of maintaining a clean trail along the corridor. In addition, stewardship may decrease the amount of garbage along the trail that already exists. • Decreased property values: The report states that in other areas, an increase in property values has been reported as a result of a trail. Sara Wilhelm reports that property values along trails have increased by as much as 10 per cent. November 15-21 is Bullying Awareness Week in Ontario. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) support the efforts of everyone collaborating and setting goals to promote bullying awareness. Statistics show that 75 per cent of people have been affected by bullying. Bullying can cause serious harm such as headaches, depression, anxiety and increase the risk of suicide. Take an opportunity to understand some of the different forms of bullying which include; physical bullying such as kicking, hitting, punching, slapping and shoving in order to gain power and control over another person; verbal bullying such as name calling, mocking, or making sexist, racist or homophobic comments; social bullying such as excluding others from a group or spreading gossip or rumours about them; electronic or cyberbullying including spreading rumours and hurtful comments through the use of cell phones, e-mail, text messaging and social networking sites and workplace bullying, which not only happens on the job, but can also occur at off-site business functions such as conferences or meetings and work- related social events such as holiday gatherings. The OPP identifies the importance of strong community partnerships and how they are essential in setting goals to promote anti-bullying programs. “When communities and youth work together they can create awareness and provide support towards one another, making bullying prevention possible,” Robyn MacEachern, OPP Inspector said. Taking them in A special information night aimed at educating the community on Sudanese refugees destined for Goderich was held at the former Blyth Public School last week. It featured a number of different components, including fundraising for the family. Here, local pastor Ernest Dow, left, speaks to Rev. Kate Ballagh-Steeper of Lakeshore United Church, the church that is sponsoring the family. (Vicky Bremner photo) OPP works to combat bullying Remembering The Brussels Legion, as it always does, held a special Remembrance Day ceremony at Huronlea Home for the Aged on Nov. 11. Here, Padre Sandra Cable, left, and Legion President Jo-Ann McDonald officiate the service. (Shawn Loughlin photo)