A municipal councillor representing Vankleek Hill would like to see a sidewalk added along a busy section of Highway 34.
At the Thursday, August 22 Champlain Township Council meeting, Paul Emile Duval said residents of nearby Hillview Circle have complained about dangers for pedestrians walking on or beside Highway 34 to reach Foodland and Tim Hortons.
There is no sidewalk on either side of the highway in the area, which includes Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute. Students often walk along the busy road.
Mayor Normand Riopel said installing a sidewalk would have to go through the municipal budget process.
“It was brought to my attention and it’s a safety concern,” Duval said.
“When school starts, it’s going to be worse,” he said.
Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Tessier said the section of highway is under a Connecting Link agreement with the Ministry of Transportation, meaning the costs for maintenance and upgrades are shared.
Duval said he wants to get the process started.
Staff will develop a report and resolution for council to consider possibly having a sidewalk built at the north end of Vankleek Hill along Highway 34. Council will also decide if the project should be considered for inclusion in the 2025 municipal budget.
