| May 29, 2014


Property owners appeal for boat launch

Even though he was not on the agenda as a delegate, Kevin Browne, president of the Sharbot Lake Property Owners' Association, was allowed to address council at their meeting on Tuesday afternoon (May 27

Browne talked about an issue that has been simmering among property owners on the east basin of Sharbot Lake for some time, and has come to the forefront this spring because of high water levels.

Although there is a public boat launch at what is known as the government dock on the west basin of Sharbot Lake and a boat launch on Road 38, also on the west basin, there is no boat launch on the east basin.

“I don't think I've heard about access to the east basin as an issue in the past. Is this something new?” asked Councilor John Purdon.

“The issue is that people with bigger boats are having trouble accessing the east basin,” said Councilor Wayne Millar, “and it is more of an issue this year because of high water levels on the underpass.”

“We have looked at the lake. I think what it will boil down to is finding a suitable location and perhaps looking at the cost of ownership,” said Public Works Manager Mike Richardson.

“I have two locations where you may be able to look at something,” said Kevin Browne, presenting a map to Mike Richardson. "As far as the need for a boat launch, there is a convenience factor, there is the fact that emergency vehicles can't access the east basin, and you have the septic pumping issue. We are one of the few lakes without access. We don't need a dock, we don't need parking, just a place to get our boats in the water.”

Council decided to refer the matter to staff to look at.

“I guess we should take a boat ride,” Richardson said to Kevin Browne. “If we can get one on the lake."

Culverts instead of a bridge

On the advice of Public Works Manager Richardson, Council accepted a proposal from Fidelity Engineering to put in two 1500 mm wide culverts in place of the Johnston Road bridge, at a cost of $87,236. Since the bridge project had a budget of $330,000 the township will move on to the next bridge on the replacement list, the Fall River Road bridge, with a view towards completing its construction in 2014.

Gravel tender

Council accepted the only tender for the supply and placement of gravel on various roads, from Crains' Construction for $228,000, which is well under the budgeted amount of $285,000.

“I guess all the other bidders were tired of losing out on the contract,” said Mike Richardson, referring to the fact that Crains' has won the contract in previous years.

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