J.P. Antonacci
BRANT NEWS

Brantford councillors want the province to compensate the city for the extra traffic that will use city roads while the Ministry of Transportation repairs six bridges over Highway 403.

The repairs, which are funded by MTO and will be staggered over the next two years, will require the closure of major arterial roads, rerouting heavy traffic onto smaller local roads.

Coun. Dan McCreary appreciates that the work is required, but thinks the city shouldn’t foot the bill for any “associated costs,” such as repairs to local roads arising from higher than normal use.

McCreary did not say how the city could attach a dollar figure to the impact of the construction.

Council directed staff to send a letter to the MTO project manager formally requesting financial assistance. The letter will be copied to County of Brant council, as Powerline Road – which is maintained by the county – is one of the roadways expected to see a higher volume of traffic during the construction.

Coun. Richard Carpenter suggested that the MTO could cover policing costs when officers are required to direct traffic on city roads.

The resolution passed despite a caution from Coun. David Neumann that such action could open the door for homeowners and businesses inconvenienced by the city’s own construction work to make claims against the city for lost business or needed post-construction repairs to property.