The Council of ELORA – Center Wellington will deal in its committee for the entire session on May 17th with termites and the reconstruction project of St. David Street in Fergus.
Last year, the council directed staff to contract Termite Research Services Inc., led by Tim Myles, to conduct an investigation into areas of Fergus and Elora known to have termite activity.
Myles conducted a preliminary investigation last fall and his report said there is significant termite infestation in Elora and Fergus. He provided maps containing a red zone – infested; a pink zone – next to infested; and a blue zone – or buffer zone, that should be monitored for activity and where termite habitats should be eliminated to prevent expansion of the termite population.
Termites were found on 74 properties in Elora with an additional 45 properties in the pink zone and 130 in the blue zone. The report identified eight different infestation groups in Elora.
In Fergus, 79 properties have active termites and 61 are in the pink zone in a large cluster that spans seven blocks.
The report also states that “no termite activity was found in the other two areas of previously known activity in Fergus”.
These data serve as the basis for a work plan and cost estimate that were not included in the report. The report is sent to the Council for information.
The council will also receive a report on the results of the public consultation on the rebuilding of St. David Street North in Fergus. The consultation took place in March and April and included input from companies, agencies, stakeholders and the public.
Four options are considered:
- Option 1: Replace the existing surface unchanged;
- Option 2: remove parking lanes on the street and increase the width of the boulevard / sidewalk;
- Option 3: Include on-street parking from St. Andrew Street to St. Patrick Street; and
- Option 4: Separate cycle paths.
According to the report, 41.6% of respondents prefer option 1, 10.8% prefer option 2, 27.6% prefer option 3, and 15.6% prefer option 4. Another 4.4% said they prefer another option .
The cost of the four options is not that different, with Option 1 valued at $ 3,900,000, Option 2 valued at $ 3,955,000, Option 3 valued at $ 3,925,000, and Option 4 valued at $ 4,015,000 -Dollars highest.
Each of the cost estimates includes $ 2,260,000 for roads and drainage, $ 675,000 for sewers, and $ 800,000 for waterworks.
This report is also for information purposes at this point, although the employees will return for approval by the council at a later date with a recommendation on how to proceed.
