The town will no longer be clearing snow from a private laneway in Collingwood’s tree street neighbourhood.
According to a resident who uses the lane for access to his property, the town has been clearing snow there for more than 40 years.
Town staff note that is true, but it’s the only private lane in town that gets such a service, and there’s never been a formal agreement.
The lane in question is off Second Street between Beech and Maple Street. It provides rear access for 10 homes that front on Beech and Maple Street. At least two homes don’t currently have access outside of the rear lane.
“There is no legally defined lane. It runs across the back portion of private properties,” said Peggy Slama, the town’s director of engineering, public works and environmental services. “The town has no ownership over this lane. There is no agreement between the town and the private landowners to complete maintenance on the land.”
Slama said a town plow has to drive in, plow the snow, and back out. A loader has to pick up snow when it piles up.
Citing safety concerns and liability, Slama recommended the service end effective immediately.
Barry Goodwin, one of the homeowners who uses the lane as the only access to his property told council there has been a long-term understanding with the owners and the town.
He said the staff report and recommendation to cease the service was “narrow.”
“It doesn’t feel like it’s fostering collaboration … to solve a problem,” said Goodwin. “If the town were to continue its maintenance, I think the homeowners would be willing to enter an agreement.”
Goodwin recently built a garage at the back of his property. Without snow being removed from the entire laneway, he won’t have access to his garage.
“This limited notice sticks us with a significant set of problems,” said Goodwin.
He also noted the lane is used by the public, including by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. He asked council to defer its decision in favour of a “more thorough” review.
Councillor Mariane McLeod asked why the matter was being raised now after years of the town providing snow clearing at no extra cost.
“It’s been on the mind of staff for a few years,” responded Slama. “Further investigation into why we are doing this led us … to understand we have no easement, ownership, or agreement.”
McLeod said the town should try to find a way to help since the citizens were accustomed to this service from the town, and recommended staff offer support “up to and including waiving permit fees” for those who needed to add driveways from Beech and Maple Street.
Council voted to stop the service and have staff assist the impacted residents with permits, including waiving fees, for new driveways.
