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NEWS Politicians look to protect Town against liabilities @® rounding area and are recommending the Town not entertain the idea of replacing the bridge," he said. But Local and Regional Councillor Colin Best, who has been championing the cause at Town Hall, put forth arguments in favour of the Town‘s involvement in the project. He also made a motion directing staff to work with interested parties, including nearby building owners, Carriage Square and Conâ€" servation Halton, to develop a pedestrian bridge proposal for consideration at municiâ€" pal budget time in December. After much discussion, his fellow counciliors ultimately endorsed the resolution. Cripps told committee that since the bridge leads pedestrians to the rear of Carriage Square that‘s frequented by delivery and garbage trucks, it‘s a "very dangerous access point" for local residents. Town ownership of the bridge would expose the municipality to risks and liabilities, he said. He also presented a letter from the Carriage Square owners from 2013 when the issue first came up that indicates they share the same safety concerns. Cripps said he has since conâ€" tacted the owners and confirmed they‘re still of the same opinion. "The bridge really provides no benefit to the general public,‘ he said, adding that since it would only be beneficial to the nearby condo corporation and Carriage Square, staff feels the bridge replacement should be taken on by those two organizations. Cripps‘ commentary raised the ire of Ernie Crowe, who represents the 100 Millside Drive condo board. "To say it (the bridge) is of no benefit to the public absolutely stings me," he said. "I find that absolutely ridiculous. There are almost 1,000 Miltonians who live on Millside Drive in the four big towers." He told the committee that he has lived on Millside Drive for over 20 years and has never heard of or seen any accidents involving peâ€" destrians crossing to Carriage Square. He also emphasized the benefit the bridge has had for fellow condo residents, many of whom are older or disabled and need a shortâ€" er trip distance to access the downtown. The condo board would be willing to talk on winter snow clearing and deâ€"icing of the bridge as well, noted Crowe. But Ward 8 Councillor Zeeshan Hamid said the problem doesn‘t lie with snow clearing, but rather liability. "We need to know who‘s taking on the liabilâ€" ity," he said. "I‘m not against pedestrian paths, but we have a lot of unknowns here." Ward 1 Councilior Robert Duvail and Ward 4 PSYCHOLOGY CENTRE Psychological Assessment & Therapy for Children, Teens, Adults, Couples & Families Our compassionate associates have expertise in evidenceâ€"based treatments for a wide range of difficulties. DEPRESSION SELFâ€"ESTEEM ANXIETY/STRESS EATING DISORDERS RELATIONSHIPS SELFâ€"HARM GRIEF ANGER ho AUTISM SPECTRUM SCHOOL REFUSAL CAREER COUNSELLING MVA/REHKABS CHRONIC PAIN TRAUMA/ABUSE PARENTING ADHD |. Milton. Ont wleatpawwhology.ca * 20+4 t Councilior Rick Malboeuf echoed Hamid‘s liâ€" ability concerns, noting, "We have to protect the corporation." However, "Liability is an issue on any walkâ€" way," contended Best, adding that he talked to the Carriage Square property managers last week and they‘re willing to maintain the status quo with the bridge access to their plaâ€" za, while Conservation Halton has indicated it‘s also willing to work with the Town regardâ€" ing an easement on its lands. "I‘m trying to find the best solution for everyâ€" | many reports of pedestrian injuries there have been at the bridge crossing. | "I‘ve seen children and families crossing that one involved here," he said. "I think there‘s a | willingness to work together." Ward 2 Councillior and downtown business person Mike Boughton said the bridge is very important to him and he wants to ensure the pedestrian access is maintained. Mayor Gord Krantz said he doesn‘t want to take away the convenient access for the Millâ€" side Drive residents. "And heaven only knows the old downtown area is hurting enough right now," he said. Ward 7 Councillior Rick Di Lorenzo asked how bridge," he noted. "The report makes it sound like that bridge is dangerous, but | haven‘t heard or seen that before." Since Carriage Square is private property, the Town isn‘t notified of such incidents, said Cripps, adding he‘s not aware of any occurrences. If the bridge issue can‘t be resolved, Duvall suggested constructing a separate walkway that would follow the channel out to Martin Street, similar to the walkway that goes to the Mill Pond. Staff estimates replacing the bridge would cost between $77,000 and $102,000 â€" a range that Cripps said CH has deemed too low as the $ existing abutments may be in need of repair. But Crowe and Best also sought costing inforâ€" mation and contended that the work could be done for $20,000 to $25,000. The matter will come back for council considâ€" eration during budget deliberations schedâ€" uled for December 5 and 6. The Setting for Your Family Memories + Stvled for Today; C onstructed tor Lite &« Order by October 10th to guarantee No tor CC hristmas w 6 ‘! g) Fine Oak Things Guelph Line South of 401, Campbellville www.FineOakThings.com 905.854.0649 Since 1977 w o a www.lourentidekitchens.ca. yO Per PS PR TY DT ~ & Ned M omm T wardags Aepsuny} | ZLT o ® R No s MIW | TOZ o 42 O a 9 NY & C > 2 o s wosuoyeyapisu