CORNWALL, Ontario – Amelia St. could see big changes to its sidewalk, road and underground infrastructure during 2019, with an estimated price tag of $700, 000.
A petition to fix the sidewalk on Amelia St. between Third St. and Fourth St. was presented to Cornwall City Council during a meeting on July 9. Council then referred the petition to administration for a report.
During the Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 13, a report prepared by Michael Fawthrop, City of Cornwall Infrastructure Division Manager, outlined the current state of the street and its need for a complete replacement.
“It would be money well spent,” said Fawthrop.
According to Fawthrop, the underground water and sewer infrastructure have reached the end of their lifespan, and the road and sidewalk are in very poor condition. There is a need for a new water main and combined sewer, as well as a new sidewalk, road and asphalt curbs.
The motion to support the complete reconstruction of the specified area on Amelia St. from was passed and is set to be included in the 2019 Capital Budget.
Fawthrop said the petition was brought forward at an opportune time as that section of the street had been a good candidate for complete reconstruction.
“As a part of our ongoing assets management…this has been a project that has been identified for the last number of years,” said Fawthrop.
Some residents are concerned with the safety of the sidewalk, as it is no longer properly differentiated from the road. Specifically, residents believe it may be hazardous for children who walk to three nearby schools.
Amelia St. from Second St. to Third St., and from Fourth St. to Fifth St., was reconstructed in 2005 and 2012, respectively.
