Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX – Council has approved a lighting upgrade at the Glencoe baseball diamond and initiated a consultation process regarding proposed streetlights on McMaster Place in Appin. Both decisions were made at the June 4 council meeting following updates from municipal staff.
Kevin Miller, Manager of Community Services, presented a report detailing the results of a request for quotes on new lighting for Diamond Two at the Glencoe facility. All three bids received came in over budget, primarily due to equipment and labour costs.
“These lights need to be there because we have had ball games that have been cancelled because you can’t see at night,” said Councillor Ed Myers, who moved the recommendation to approve the additional funding.
According to Miller, the fixtures are in stock, and work could begin promptly following council’s approval. “I would call them tomorrow and… they are all waiting just for the approval,” he said, adding that local electricians had submitted the quotes and would complete the work.
Deputy Mayor Mike Sholdice asked about the expected lifespan and warranty of the new lights. While details were not immediately available, Mayor Allan Mayhew confirmed that warranty information would be shared with council.
The recommendation to proceed was approved with seven votes in favour and one against.
After that, Council also discussed the McMaster Place streetlight project. Mauro Castrilli, Public Works Manager, provided a verbal update stating that the lowest bid for the work came in around $40,000—within budget. However, staff had received one formal concern from a resident opposing the installation.
“If Council is supportive,” said Castrilli, “staff recommend reaching out to the concerned resident, requesting that they gather a petition from the property owners on McMaster Place. If more than 50% oppose it, staff recommend deferring the installation.”
Councillor McGill noted that while he had initially supported the lights during budget discussions, he later learned not all residents may be in favour. “So, I would like to propose that Mauro contact the person who contacted him … and then we find out how many are for and how many are against,” he said.
Councillor Joel Haggith raised questions about municipal liability in the absence of lighting, given the number of children using the street. Castrilli acknowledged that while there is always potential liability, the decision ultimately lies with council.
Mayor Mayhew pointed out that lighting is a standard requirement for new subdivisions but not retroactively imposed on older ones. “We recently put street lights in Middlemiss… and they didn’t seem to have to go through the public acceptance. We just determined that they are a requirement of urban housing,” he said.
Council supported the motion to consult residents before proceeding. “I think the recommendation is very fair. We are practising our due diligence, but we are also allowing the residents to voice their opinion,” said Mayhew. The motion passed unanimously.
