Around Town with Jim
Welcome to my personal corner where I share thoughts, address your questions, and delve into the heart of Wallaceburg and surrounding area. This is where community conversations come to life.
Watch for updates
Your questions, my answers
Do you have a burning question about Wallaceburg, Tupperville, or the surrounding area? Are you curious about a local issue or simply want to know my take on something that matters to our community? This is your platform. Submit your questions, and I'll share my perspective right here.
During our recent election canvassing, my wife and I were impressed with just how well cared for the majority of properties were in TUPPERVILLE. It's obvious residents have a lot of pride in their properties and their community!
One comment we heard often was the amount of weeds in boulevards, along sidewalks (after the new sidewalk was installed), roadways and on municipal property. We've taken photographs and provided location information to the municipality.
The Customer Service Rep we spoke with was beyond helpful and we were given work orders so we can track progress. We will keep you posted.
More to come on this Hamlet in Chatham-Kent.
Dufferin Ave Bridge Construction Update #4
I was contacted by the municipality regarding my inquiry into the August 20 incident on Dufferin Ave in which an ambulance drove more than half a kilometre past the road-closed sign at Highway 40 before having to turn around at the closed bridge and reverse its course. The ambulance was responding with lights flashing and sirens operating. I was told the incident is being treated seriously and a full review of operations relating to the issue is underway.
Dufferin Ave Bridge Construction Update #3
Two weeks ago, I wrote about about a need for better signage for the Dufferin Avenue bridge project.
An official work order was requested so we could keep track of the issue. My wife made the call because I didn’t want this to be taken as an election issue.
She was read the rules and regulations regarding signage and indeed barrels were placed in the westbound lane of the intersection of Dufferin and Highway 40 (although no flashing light as we suggested). Another call was made this morning with no response as of yet.
Last night residents in the area told me an ambulance with flashing lights and sirens went past the intersection, sped up to the bridge and had to do a full turnaround.
We know that happened but we don’t know why.
Was the signage inadequate? Is there a lack of communication between municipal departments or the between the contractor and the municipality? Is there GPS on the ambulance? Does it have to be updated? Was it driver error?
This isn’t an election issue. This involves public safety.
We need some public answers. I’m asking the municipality to issue a media release explaining what happened. The public deserves to know.
Since Facebook is the land where conspiracy theories thrive but real Canadian news is banned, I can't post the link on Facebook, but I can on my my web page. Watch this CTV London clip about how St. Thomas is successfully decreasing the number of homeless in the city.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/more-people-in-st-thomas-elgin-leaving-homelessness-behind/
Update from Jim
Positive developments are on the way regarding the Duke Street encampment.
Details have not been finalized.
Let’s hope the authorities are forthcoming with the information residents have been seeking for some time and a positive resolution is found for everyone concerned.
Update From Jim
Update #2: I had a great conversation with a representative from the municipality this afternoon. He understood the concerns of the neighbours. Lights will be added at the bridge & more pylons with lights & more signage for drivers to see.
'Working together to keep our roads safe'
Update: The municipality was contacted yesterday regarding signage issues for the Dufferin Avenue bridge replacement project and road closure. A work order has been requested and authorized to keep me informed concerning any potential action. I will post if/when anything is received.
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I went for a drive along Dufferin Ave. last evening, and I can understand residents' concerns about the detour signage. I saw a steady flow of traffic passing by the Highway 40 turnoff/detour, coming up to the bridge and turning around in residents’ driveways. I spoke with residents and saw some who are blocking their driveways to reduce traffic on their property and heard stories of drivers “peeling off” at a high rate of speed after turning around. Considering the high volume of traffic, the fact that many drivers using the road may not be familiar with the area or are accessing the international ferry crossing at the Walpole Island First Nation, a better solution is needed. I’m relatively sure the signage meets provincial standards, but it would be far more effective to have a sign in the middle of Dufferin with a flashing light just past the intersection near where the current sign is. At that location, a flashing light would affect fewer residents and drastically decrease the possibility of someone hitting the bridge or ending up in the creek. I’ve seen similar detour signage in numerous places across Ontario, so it should be possible. If you live in the area and have concerns, please call the municipality at 3-1-1 and voice your concerns. The first step toward resolving the issue is to alert those who can make that happen.
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Jim's Blog
Photo credit, all photos used with permission:
Fountain Park, the Wallaceburg BIA
The Chatham Voice
Judy Woodrow