Brock Council approves the revised Sidewalk Master Plan

The overall work will cost more than $3.6 million

yorkregion.com
Dec. 4, 2023

In a recent council meeting, Brock Township council members gave the green light to a revised Sidewalk Master Plan, aiming to enhance accessibility and pedestrian infrastructure across the township.

As per the plan's specifics, Sunderland is slated to have six new sidewalks, along with the removal and replacement of six existing pathways, between 2024 and 2027.

Similarly, Cannington is set to receive 16 new sidewalks and the replacement of five others, between 2024 and 2028.

Meanwhile, Beaverton will undergo significant pedestrian infrastructure expansion, with plans for 40 new sidewalks and the replacement of two existing ones between 2024 and 2029.

Beaverton sidewalks design drawing
The map shows the outstanding areas for sidewalks, both new and those slated to be removed and replaced in Beaverton.

Township of Brock graphic
In a staff report, presented to the mayor and the members of council by the Department of Public Works, a budget of $440,000 is allocated for the removal and replacement of current sidewalks, and $3,183,000 for the construction of new pathways in various locations.

The funding for the current plan is set to come from the Capital Reserve Fund and development charges (DCs) as mentioned below:

• 2025: $24,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund and $276,000 from DCs.

• 2026: $82,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund and $218,000 from DCs.

• 2027: $24,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund and $276,000 from DCs.

• 2028: Projected to be covered primarily by DCs.

Staff members recommend maintaining the annual budget at $300,000 and allocating funding based on the standard budgetary process.

Despite this approval, the plan still needs to be finalized in the upcoming annual budget.

Sunderland sidewalks map
The map shows the outstanding areas for sidewalks, both new and those slated to be removed and replaced in Sunderland.

Township of Brock photo
“We need to have funding for it all and the plan may change if something else comes forward like a regional plan,” said director of public works Paul Lagrandeur.

The plan’s standards for new sidewalk installations are aligned with provincial standards and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requirements.

The current locations selected for the sidewalk installations are based on various factors, including traffic volumes, the number of residential units, and proximity to essential amenities such as schools, parks, libraries, community centres, town halls, medical facilities, senior buildings, subsidized housing and commercial areas.