In Alfred and Plantagenet, the overall condition of the municipal road system is “fair,” but an additional annual investment of $3.8 million per year is needed to repair all of them more quickly.

A report presented to council at the Wednesday, June 18 Committee of the Whole meeting aims to present the state of the roads with the intent of developing a long-term preventive maintenance and rehabilitation strategy.

The study only examined roads, and not sidewalks, bridges, culverts, and other infrastructure often located with roads.

Roads classified as “very good” represent 73.3 kilometres or 25.7 per cent of the total system. Roads considered “good” represent 23.9 per cent or 68.3 kilometres. Roads categorized as “fair” are 17.2 per cent of the system or 49 kilometres. “Bad” roads represent 42.4 kilometres or 14.9 per cent of the system, and 52.3 kilometres or 18.3 per cent of municipal roads in Alfred and Plantagenet are considered “very poor.”

The report explains that factors for prioritizing road reconstruction include the condition, replacement cost, population density, maintenance class, and if the roads are designated emergency detour routes.

In the report, Roads Director Jonathan Gendron stated the current maintenance strategy is not proactive and will be fully revised using a preventative approach. He explained that the changes will require “considerable annual investments,” and staff will examine external financing options.

Councillor Benoit Lamarche asked if equal consideration is being given to roads within villages.

Gendron said urban roads are included in the list, and both asphalt and gravel roads.

Councillor Ian Walker asked for confirmation of a figure in the report of $8 million needing to be spent to make all of the repairs to the roads most in need.

“For all the roads in the worst condition, $8 million worth of work,” Gendron replied.

He said the township is doing $1.5 million in work this year and would eventually like to match maintenance expectations with investment. Gendron estimated $3 million is required annually to make the necessary improvements. He explained that once maintenance strategies and priorities are determined, the amount of $3 million per year will likely go down.

“I’m looking for a long-term, 10-year plan,” Walker said.

“So I can tell constituents when they ask, “When is my road going to be fixed?” he added.

Councillor Antoni Viau said he understands the numbers and they make sense to him but described it as wishful thinking considering the budget. He said how much is spent will depend on how much taxpayers are willing to pay. He urged staff to make efforts to secure grant funding to offset the costs.

“Everyone needs roads,” remarked Mayor Yves Laviolette.

He said some municipalities direct one or two per cent of their budget each year to roads.

Gendron said that Alfred and Plantagenet allocates 0.6 per cent of the municipal budget for roads.

Laviolette noted everyone expects services but wants taxes to stay low. He said how much to spend on improving the township’s roads will be decided during budget preparation in the fall.

Walker said he would like to see road work prioritized over other township responsibilities.

“People really want the roads over everything else the township does,” Walker said.