South huron Council briefs

Municipality of South Huron logo.

By John Miner

Council urged to limit bikes on sidewalks

Asked by a member of the public to consider a bylaw limiting bikes on sidewalks, South Huron council has decided to look into the issue. Council requested staff prepare a report for discussion at a future council meeting.

At present, South Huron has no bylaw covering bikes on sidewalks.

In a note to council, Linda Johnston said she was concerned about teens and adults riding bikes on sidewalks. Johnston said she has almost been hit a few times, but was able to jump out of the way.

“I am concerned an elderly person or a young parent with children wouldn’t be able to. Serious injuries are a great possibility.”

Coun. Marissa Vaughan agreed that it is not conducive for a pedestrian sidewalk to have bicycles and scooters, and motorized scooters and motorized bicycles, all trying to use the same sidewalk space. But Vaughan said people could also be concerned about young children having to use the street.

Sponsorship and advertising program gets nod

South Huron council has approved in principle a sponsorship and advertising program that covers everything from ads on arena dressing room doors to panels at the local dog park.

Requested by municipal staff, the program also covers naming rights for community halls, sponsorship of public skating and swimming, commemorative benches and tree plantings. A report to council said the program has the potential to generate additional revenue that will help offset and support ongoing facility maintenance, program delivery, and recreational enhancements.

Last year, sponsorships generated $24,000 in revenue for South Huron. All sponsorship opportunities are to be advertised publicly and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

United Way funding bylaw passed

A bylaw providing Perth Huron United Way with $35,000 a year for the next five years has been approved by South Huron council. The funding could be renewed after five years with agreement of both parties.

As part of a memorandum of understanding covered by the bylaw, United Way is required to make an annual presentation to council, including an overview of activities and events, and its financial position. While the agreement is for five years, it can be cancelled by the municipality or United Way with 60 days written notice.

Development Charge Reduction Program application backed

Lambton Shores asked for and received a letter of support from South Huron, backing its application to participate in the Development Charge Reduction Program.

Under the program, municipalities could have up to 90 per cent of the cost of infrastructure projects such as roads, water systems, wastewater systems and transit covered by the federal and provincial government. To qualify, municipalities are required to cut their development charges by 30 per cent to 50 per cent for three years. Lambton Shores application under the program is for the Grand Bend forcemain twinning project.

The Grand Bend forcemain is jointly owned by Lambton Shores and South Huron and administered by Lambton Shores. South Huron municipal staff said they reviewed the Development Charge Reduction Program and did not find any projects that met the eligibility criteria.