Council: Victoria Ave. project, TekSavvy support, expanded patio space

Victoria Avenue reconstruction discussed

A motion by Chatham Councillor Brock McGregor was approved at Monday night’s May 25, 2020, meeting regarding a reconstruction project for Victoria Avenue in Chatham.

McGregor’s motion stated that the final design for the project will include:

– No roundabout at Stephenson and Victoria.

– Maintenance of heritage light posts, including their use at the north end of Victoria

– On street bike lanes.

– That the municipality of Chatham-Kent develop and implement a street tree cover policy, to maintain and encourage tree coverage by continuing active surveillance and maintenance of trees on municipal right of ways, including replacement when required.

– That Chatham-Kent endeavor to reduce the impact to existing trees.

– Widening of Victoria Avenue at Grand Avenue and McNaughton Avenue to include left turn lanes.

– Retain the sidewalks in their current location.

An original motion by Chatham Councillor Michael Bondy, which can be seen here, was turned down by Council.

A total of 17 deputations were sent in by residents about Bondy’s motion.

Staff said in a report the intent is to have the project “tender-ready” in case any potential funding opportunities become available from the Provincial or Federal governments.

Staff said it is their intention for the project to continue to receive capital funding in 2021 and 2022, in order for construction to proceed.

A public information centre for the project is scheduled to take place in September.

Grant support for Teksavvy

Council approved a staff recommendation to endorse and support TekSavvy’s Solutions Inc.’s application to the CRTC Broadband Fund with a letter of support and the commitment of $2.7-million for backbone fibre facilities within Chatham-Kent.

The recommendation stemmed from a previously approved $6.5-million investment in fibre backbone facilities for Chatham-Kent back in 2018.

Council also approved the commitment of the remaining funds to TekSavvy to build additional backbone fibre facilities within Chatham-Kent in accordance with a plan presented to Council and administration in closed session.

Council also approved that prior to any distribution of funds, Chatham-Kent enter a binding legal agreement with TekSavvy Solutions Inc. on the terms of the investment to the satisfaction of the Chief Legal Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

C-K to explore expanded patio space

Chatham Councillor Brock McGregor entered a successful motion to explore expanded patio space at restaurants in Chatham-Kent.

McGregor’s motion is asking administration provide recommendations for by-law amendments and other policy modifications “to support expanded patio space and out door space for restaurants and other businesses where feasible.

“Further, administration investigate and consult with BIAs and local businesses to explore street closures, lane reductions, or other uses of the municipal right of ways by businesses to safely offer service as commercial openings expand in Ontario,” McGregor said in his motion.

A motion to waive the notice period on this items was also approved by Council.

Consent items approved, several items postponed

Several reports at Monday night’s meeting were approved in the consent agenda portion of the evening.

These items, included:

– A motion by Wallaceburg Councillor Aaron Hall regarding event bookings. Read the full motion, here. 

– A tender award contract for Municipal parking lot improvements.

– A tender award contract for Ellen Street watermain and road improvements in Blenheim.

– The extension of CKTransit contracts for Route 5 and Mid-Day Inter-Urban Run for Routes A, C and D.

– A report on Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Public Transit Stream.

– Tax Sale Write Offs – Remainder of 2019 and February 19, 2020 Tenders.

The following items were postponed until the June 1, 2020 Council meeting:

– Staffing impacts related to COVID-19. More details, here. 

– Chatham-Kent Transportation Master Plan and a presentation by Steve Taylor, President, BT Engineering Inc.

– Revised Tender Award, Contract for Cold-In-Place Recycling with Expanded Asphalt Material.

– Transition of the Blue Box to Full Producer Responsibility Resolution.

– Motion by East Kent Councillor Steve Pinsonneault re: Infrastructure Committee Membership.

– 311 Implementation Plan.

– Digital Main Street Grant Program Update.

– Municipal Policies to Encourage Development of Affordable Housing in Chatham-Kent.