CORNWALL, ON – On Feb. 28, 2022, Cornwall City Council voted against proceeding with a $200,000 Environmental Assessment (EA) in the 2022 budget for the intersection of Vincent Massey Dr. and Tollgate Rd. W.
The motion was made by Councillor Dean Hollingsworth.
“I hope the council approved adding this to the budget, I realize it’s a bit after the fact. Somewhere between 150 and 200 thousands,” said Hollingsworth. “The thing is that corner is not designed properly, the report admits it’s not designed properly, and we technically can’t do anything to that corner until we do an environmental assessment. I recognize that the numbers aren’t as high at this corner for accidents as other corners, but anybody who drives through there will admit that it can be very tricky.”
Another reason presented by Hollingsworth for the City to proceed with this EA, is that the Riverdale neighbourhood is growing, with an intent of connecting Riverdale Avenue to Power Dam Dr.
“Riverdale is building the Northern part of Riverdale Avenue, there are more and more houses being built as we speak,” said Councilor Hollingsworth. “So, it’s only reasonable that more cars will be driving up, and through that way,” he added.
Council Towndale seconded the motion.
“He’s right, we had a report in front of us that said it’s not in the top 25 for collisions, but at the same time, sometimes the collisions there are more serious,” said Councilor Towndale.
Due to the lower amount of collisions compared to other corners, Councillor MacDonald voted against the motion.
“I’m gonna vote against the motion, I think when the situation at that intersection becomes a pressing matter, because of collisions, that we should move on it then,” she said.
Councilor Gardiner said that other issues on Tollgate need to be fixed before doing the environmental assessment.
“The thing that upsets me, is the fact that there are so many other things that need to be done on Tollgate. For example, speeding is awful when you have kids waiting there for school in the morning, the ditches that are there, and no sidewalks. This needs to be fixed first, in my opinion,” said Gardiner.
Councilor Bennett said that the road is tricky, but can’t justify funding $200,000, two months after finalizing the capital budget.
Mayor Glen Grant finished the discussion by acknowledging that things need to be done, but would not support the motion presented.
“I can’t support this, but I think there are things we can do to make it safer, and speed control is one of them”, said Mayor Grant “I don’t think it’s necessary at this time,” he said.
