A group of concerned citizens wants Saugeen Shores Council to plow more snow off of more sidewalks in Port Elgin.
Resident Maureen Rinn says changes in school busing policies mean more in-town students are walking to school, putting more pedestrians on the streets, and cars too because more parents are driving their kids to school.
The residents want to see sidewalks plowed on Wellington Street between River Street and Tomlinson Drive, Bruce Street between Bluewater Drive and Joseph Street, along Queen’s Bush Road, and Louis Street between Wellington Street and Queen’s Bush.
Their request comes with a petition containing almost 200 signatures.
Council has decided that sidewalks on Joseph Street between Waterloo and Bruce Streets, and on Catherine Street between Wellington and Goderich Streets will be plowed starting this winter.
However, Public Works Director Bill Jones says the town is at its limit when it comes to sidewalk plowing.
125 thousand dollars would have to be spent on another sidewalk cleaning machine, and another 50 thousand to hire someone to run it.
Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock is concerned stepping up snow removal will impact taxes for rural residents who don’t have sidewalks.
Rinn is reassured that council has made the step to increase sidewalk snow removal, but she’s concerned about comments regarding the cost.
She says only so much dollar value can be put on life and safety.
Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger says council needs to decide how far it wants to go with snow removal and how much money should be spent on it.
He believes council will come up with a solution that best serves the community and ensures children can walk to school safely.
Council will take another look at sidewalk snow removal during the 2010 budget process.