Jan 07, 2009 - 11:28 AM

By Jeff Hayward

UXBRIDGE -- Uxbridge's downtown councillor wants the Township to pick up the tab on clearing snow from sidewalks on Toronto Street South.

Councillor Jack Ballinger suggested during a recent public works budget meeting to increase the $57,500 currently set aside for all sidewalk maintenance in 2009. "I think the Toronto Street South (sidewalk) on the east side should be taken care of by the Township," he said.

The comment was made following debate if the businesses and residents from Campbell to Welwood drives were clearing that stretch of walkway.

Coun. Howie Herrema said the "snow-clearing is not very consistent, but it's not the homes." But Debbie Leroux, Uxbridge's clerk, said the problem area, according to bylaw officers, is the north portion of the sidewalk near the residential area. "We have sent out a couple of letters (to the property owners)," she said.

Council in 2008 discussed creating a 'tax district', a measure to fairly split the cost of sidewalk clearing among property owners along that stretch. But, that idea was eventually shot down with bylaw officers directed to monitor the area for compliance.

Meanwhile, the effectiveness of the 24-hour time frame allotted for property owners to clear adjacent walks following the start of a snowfall was also discussed. The time frame was part of a revised snow bylaw passed late last year. "(Twenty-four hours) is not bad, if you have a light winter," said Ben Kester, director of public works.

Coun. Herrema asked staff to bring a new report on the matter to works committee.