Brock approves revised sidewalk master plan

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: With a eye towards providing greater accessibility throughout the municipality, councillors recently approved a revised sidewalk master plan.

The plan calls for significant improvements to pedestrian infrastructure in all three of Brock’s communities, Beaverton, Cannington and Sunderland. The plan details improvements and additions to be made from 2024 to 2027.

A staff report at a recent council meeting offered specifics for the plan, which still has to be approved as part of the municipal budget. According to staff, the plan aligns with current provincial standards, as well as requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Locations for sidewalk installation were based on numerous factors including traffic volume, the number of residential units, and proximity to essential amenities such as schools, community centres, parks, libraries, town halls, seniors buildings, medical facilities, and commercial areas.

The specifics of the plan call for Sunderland to have six new sidewalks, as well as the replacement of six others between 2024 and 2027.

In Cannington, the municipality will construct 16 new sidewalks and the replacement of five others, between 2024 and 2028.

Pedestrians in Beaverton will benefit from major infrastructure upgrades between 2024 and 2029, with plans for 40 new sidewalks, as well as the replacement of two others.

The staff report also outlined the financial contribution attached to the project, which is slated to come from the township’s Capital Reserve Fund, as well as development charges (DCs).

The total amount of work is estimated at approximately $3.6 million, with roughly $440,000 set aside to replace existing sidewalks and the remainder to be spent on new additions to township infrastructure.