Georgetown Independent
Register User
Close

Proposed school would exacerbate problems
Friday August 15 2008
 
Dear editor,
I’d like to commend Town and Regional councillors for taking a stand and recently voting against planning staff regarding the Keswick Sutherland School and Equestrian Centre proposal.
I live on 27 Sideroad, which is not anywhere near where the proposed school and equestrian centre would be, so the NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) factor does not apply in my case.
I walk my dog daily on our road, and I am extremely concerned about the extra traffic there would be if the school and equestrian centre were to open, not only on weekdays but also on weekends. Once a week I bring along a grocery bag on our walk to pick up the garbage that people throw out of their car as they’re driving by (usually at a much higher rate of speed than the posted limit).  If traffic increases, I will have to upgrade to a green garbage bag.
There is a deer corridor that crosses 27 Sideroad and often I see deer crossing the road.  If a deer is hit by a car, not only is it a bad outcome for the deer, but the car driver could be killed or kill others while swerving to avoid the deer.
As well, there are two Environmentally Sensitive Areas, which are provincially and federally delegated, in my immediate area, and I believe the pollution from the extra cars will have a negative impact on these areas.
A traffic consultant indicated that the number of accidents on the Eighth Line each year was extremely low. Those figures are based on accidents that are reported, but I’d like to know how many accidents are NOT reported to the authorities. I see pieces of car bumpers and door trim lying at the side of the road all the time.
Yes, it will cost money for the Region to take this to the Ontario Municipal Board but how much do you think it will cost the taxpayers when the Town has to (eventually) remove the hydro poles, which were just put in a few months ago on 27 Sideroad and the Eighth Line, in order to widen the two roads, put in sidewalks and remove the knolls to improve road safety on these roads?
Leslie LaFontaine,
Georgetown