Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – During the April 9 meeting, Sam Shannon, Director of Infrastructure and Operations, presented a report to council recommending the addition of an asphalt shoulder to the Queen Street Watermain Phase 1 project in Ailsa Craig. The report outlined a proposed $418,500 change order aimed at accommodating pedestrian use.
The contemplated change proposed a widened asphalt shoulder on the west side of Queen Street. While not officially designated as a pedestrian walkway or bike lane, the additional pavement was intended to provide informal walking access into the village. Staff noted that it would be considered part of the road surface and would not require additional engineering.
During discussion, council members expressed concerns about both cost and pedestrian safety. Mayor Brian Ropp stated, “I don’t believe this is a safe opportunity here,” highlighting the risk of placing pedestrians in close proximity to vehicle traffic. He emphasized that a physically separated off-road trail would be safer and more suitable for long-term use.
A motion was introduced to reject the proposed shoulder and instead direct staff to explore options for a purpose-built, off-road pedestrian trail.
Council agreed that while there is clear community demand for a pedestrian route along Queen Street, the infrastructure must be designed with safety as a guiding priority. Municipal staff were instructed to investigate potential trail options and return with a report later this year.
Although the proposed shoulder carried a cost of $418,500.60, the broader Queen Street infrastructure project remains approximately $1.2 million under budget. The original capital allocation for the project was $4 million, and the work completed to date has come in well below that threshold.
CAO Carolyn Tripp supported the revised direction, noting that a standalone trail project would better align with municipal planning goals and could be eligible for external funding opportunities, including grants.
Council requested that the forthcoming report include possible alignments, surface types, cost estimates, and financing strategies. Options may include the use of reserve funds or debt financing, depending on the scope and timing.
The municipality is expected to revisit the matter later in 2025 as planning for the 2026 capital budget continues.
