Renfrew residents have had their chance to tell the town what they want to see done for local roads going forward.
Reeve Peter Emon and Director of Infrastructure Andrea Bishop led the public through the current status of town roads, noting that main arterial roads through town have improved to the point that council can now focus on balancing their attention on the trip from the main street to your front door.
Bishop also explained what makes a certain road a priority when designing and executing roadwork projects, including winter wear due to plowing, sanding, and salting, as well as the supporting data they have on hand that helps them make informed decisions on the level of rehabilitation each specific street needs.
Among the early comments from residents at the meeting was positive feedback for the town’s multi-use trails, as well as a suggestion to consider taking on smaller sidewalk repair projects to cut contracting costs.
Emon and Bishop also responded to frustrations about a recent spate of roadwork projects ending up costing well above their original budget, which often happens because of a lack of accurate records as to what is under Renfrew’s roads and a need for hired consultants to go deeper into their research before projects get underway.
Emon noted that the town is set to review its shortlist of approved project consultants in the near future, and cuts could be made.
(written by Kasey Egan)
