Brock Council Puts Sidewalk Expansion Plans on Hold Pending Review

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Plans to significantly expand Brock Township's sidewalk network have been put on hold, after council voted to pause future work, outlined in the Sidewalk Master Plan, and undertake a detailed review of its long-term financial and operational impacts.

The decision was made during Brock Township Council's meeting, on June 15th, after members received a report, from, Capital Projects Coordinator, James Peitos, outlining concerns about the costs and maintenance responsibilities associated with the proposed sidewalk expansion.

All sidewalk projects, scheduled for 2026, have already been completed, but council directed staff to pause further implementation of the plan and bring recommendations forward to the next term of council for consideration.

The Sidewalk Master Plan, originally adopted in 2023, identified potential locations for approximately 15.9 kilometres of new sidewalks throughout the township, between 2024 and 2029. The plan was intended to improve accessibility and pedestrian connectivity in Brock's communities.

However, Mr. Peitos' report noted, the original plan focused primarily on sidewalk installation costs and did not fully account for additional expenses, such as: driveway reinstatements, culvert replacements, hydro pole relocations, grading work, engineering requirements, utility adjustments, and impacts on trees and surrounding landscapes.

"While the Sidewalk Master Plan provides a broad overview of potential future sidewalk locations, it does not fully consider the long-term operating costs, asset management implications, or impacts on existing infrastructure and community landscapes," Mr. Peitos explained.

The report estimated, completing all proposed sidewalk projects would cost more than $3.1 million, based on current construction prices. That figure does not include many of the additional costs identified by staff and would require average annual funding of more than $620,000, through 2029. By comparison, the township's 2026 sidewalk budget is $120,000 and includes both replacement and new sidewalk projects.

Staff also raised concerns about the long-term maintenance burden. Brock currently maintains approximately 21 kilometres of plowable sidewalks. The proposed additions would increase the network, by about 75 percent, requiring additional inspections, maintenance, equipment and staffing.

According to the report, annual salt costs, alone, could rise, from roughly $40,000 to nearly $70,000 by 2029, while the township may need two or three additional sidewalk maintenance machines to maintain current service levels.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, council's decision does not signal the end of future sidewalk projects but rather a need for a more complete understanding of their long-term impacts.

"We want to make sure we're making informed decisions which balance accessibility improvements with the financial realities facing our taxpayers," said Mayor Jubb. "This review will give the next council the information it needs, to determine how best to move forward."

"Sidewalks provide important benefits for residents, but every new asset comes with maintenance obligations," said Councillor Lynn Campbell. "It's important we carefully evaluate those commitments, alongside other infrastructure priorities."

The report also noted, Brock already faces challenges maintaining its existing roads, structures and sidewalks during major winter weather events. Staff recommended priority continues to be placed on repairing and maintaining existing sidewalks before significantly expanding the network.

Council ultimately accepted the report and directed staff to pause the Sidewalk Master Plan, until the next term of council can review the additional information and determine future priorities.