So How Does Ramara Decide Whose Road Get Fixed 1st?

On January 15th, the General Committee of the Whole met at the Legion in Brechin, ON. On the agenda that night was a review of the township's 10 Year Capital Forecast. Contained in this report was a schedule for road maintenance for the next 10 years.

The township undertook a Road Needs study in 2003. A copy of this report can be found at the Ramara Centre Library. I found the study very interesting in that the township was able to use a method designed by the Province's Ministry of Transportation to classify every road in Ramara. This method takes into account factors such as road type, location, traffic volume, and it's state of disrepair. It is a scientific approach. All the roads were ranked based on their current condition, and importance and were ranked in a "due for maintenance" priority sequence. This was how the roads in the township were listed in the 10 Year Capital forecast .

For example, I live in Ward 3 of the township. Based on the above scientific approach, Plum Point Road and Muley Point Road, were do to be rehabilitated in '07 with a budgeted figure of approx $300 000.

Do you think these roads will be fixed in '07. Don't bet the farm on this one. That's not how things get done here in the People's Republic of Ramara. Here it's who you know, not scientific logic that determines who's next. Clr. O'Donnell felt that Conc 9 between Hwy 169 and running East for 3 km should go to the front of the road maintenance list, even though the road study did not even list it as a priority. And yes Conc 9 is found in Clr. O'Donnell's ward. I have to wonder if Clr. O'Donnell travels this road to go home?

The cost for the work on Conc. was budgeted at $323 000. In order to pay for this, someone would have to be sacrificed. Guess who? The people in Ward 3 along Plum Pt and Muley Pt roads. While this was unfolding the councillor in Ward 3, and my representative Clr Erika Neher just sat quietly in her chair, said nothing and did nothing. How is that representing the interests of your constituents Clr Neher?

Maybe conditions do exist where Conc 9 needs to be looked at immediately. Unfortunately we'll never know. The resolution that passed did not to instruct the Township's Road Supervisor to go and inspect all the roads in question, and confirm Clr O'Donnell's position. No the resolution was passed based on Clr. O'Donnell assertations, and not having Clr. Neher or anyone else on council question Clr. O'Donnell.

It gets even uglier. At the meeting of council on Feb 12, the resident's along Conc. 11 presented a petition and deputation to council regarding the condition of this route. For those who don't know Ramara, Conc 11 runs parallel to Hwy 12, between Rama (ie Casino Rama) Rd and Hwy 169. It is an unpaved road, and given it's location, this road is used to reroute traffic from Hwy 12, in the event of an accident. As well they noted that also given it's proximity to Casino Rama, see additional road volume. Long story short, from the deputation the residents along Conc 11 submitted tangible evidence about the current state of their roadway.

So what was the response from Ramara council. Thank you for your time, but unfortunately your just to late, was we have just approved our Road Maintenance budget for '07, and Conc. 11 is not on our list for this year, but we'll add it to '09. A resolution was also passed by council to review it's Road Maintenance schedule again at some time in '07. I hope the township will invite the public to participate in this review. Concerned ratepayers should contact the township to request they be notified of this meeting.

Again why wasn't there a resolution to have the municipality go and actually inspect this roadway, and see if it's current status needs to be addressed? At least Clr Neher, now that the ratepayers of Ramara will pay for your mileage, you could have put it on the record, that you'll go by and see for yourself.

What is the township's responsibility to maintain roads in its' jurisdiction? Check this link
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Regs/English/020239_e.doc

The Province of Ontario's Municipal Act is governs and restricts the actions of a municipality. Various Regulations attached to this act define minimun standards to be used in the design of a township's various policies, relating to its road maintenance programs. You have to contact the Township of Ramara to view these policies, as they are not listed on the township's website.

I have attended various meetings where it was disclosed that the township does undertake an annual audit of its roads, culverts and bridges. This process uses the protocols from the MTO link referenced above. I am unaware of the date of this audit, but think it occurs in the spring. I was told that it is a municipal undertaking, in which the public has not been asked to participate. I will be contacted the township to find out:

1. The date, time and locations
2. Who participates from the township, and what are their qualifications
3. Data analysis methods
4. Reporting to the public.

When I find this out, I will post to this blog.

As a see the township a Ramara shoots itself in the foot everytime their actions directly or indirectly prevent the public from participating in the process of policy development. This blog is the bring to light where these barriers exist, and my recommendations for bringing them down.