County dips into reserves to pay for transportation plan shortcomings

Essex County Civic Centre.

The County of Essex is anticipating there will be a lot more people living in the area and they are preparing for that growth with a Transportation Master Plan.

A plan has not been done since 2005 and the new one, once approved will set a course for up to 2051.

“If we do nothing from 2038 to 2051 and we receive the growth that is anticipated, there will be a number of areas across the county that will experience mobility challenges,” said consultant Alvaro Almunia.

Included is a possible public transit system, road widening and bike trails. Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy had concerns about the bike lane on the shoulders of County Road 50 that stretches from Kingsville up to Amherstburg.

“Your concerns are noted, and we are working on that. It’s a little more gradual than what the Transportation Master Plan will be looking at,” said county manager of transportation planning and development Jerry Behl.

In his report to council last Wednesday night, Behl asked the county for an additional $10,000 from reserves to pay for what he said were “shortcomings” when it came to working towards the plan.

There are several recommendations in the plan including facilitating long term planning and policy framework for transportation infrastructure over the next 30 years. Also, establishing a blueprint to develop future transportation networks and recognize the unique needs for municipalities.

Almunia made a presentation to council and he said the purpose of the plan is to give the public safe and reliable choices.

“It’s to recognize the best system for the uniqueness of the county and its local municipal partners,” he said.

In a separate item at the recent county council meeting, there was a lot of debate about the funding and governance of a public transit system.

Responding to the presentation from Almunia, Lakeshore  Mayor  Tracey Bailey asked, “I am wondering how dialed in Transit Windsor and the City of Windsor is to this plan at this stage.”

Almunia responded, “they are more concerned about today and we are more aware of the future but they are aware of some of the ideas coming forward.”

The Transportation Master Plan will continue to get public feedback in November, a final environmental study is planned for January, and a complete plan comes to council for approval in February.

County dips into reserves to pay for transportation plan shortcomings

By Fred Groves