Roads, roads, and more roads. Woodlands County Council is focused on finding solutions for the growing list of roadways that need attention.

Following a push from Councillor Jim Rennie at the June 2, 2020, Woodlands County Council meeting, Administration and Council did a road tour of County roads to see issues in person. During the June 24 meeting, Administration brought forward ideas for going forward. Andre Bachand, Director of Infrastructure Services, said that because of the road tour, they identified that the Horne Road area, including two subdivisions, requires work. “The recommendation is that if Council does choose to reallocate some funds that it is geared towards a drainage plan and some surveying work for that area which would be done before the 2021 budget deliberation process so that we could put forward some projects for 2021.” From there, a discussion ensued.

Councillor Govenlock said that several roads require serious repair but that he did not feel the budget provided for the repairs to happen. “The one down by the cut banks is a very serious repair in need of work this year. It has been deferred over several years, and I am firm of the opinion that it requires immediate attention. The repairs to West Mountain Road, on the pavement, have been deferred now for the third year. The road up to Hard Luck (Canyon) is certainly still in need of some additional work. Range Road 121 was not one that Council travelled on, but it needs review.”

He then said that he would like a list compiled of all the roads in the County that need work done and the expenses that would be related to those repairs. Councillor Jim Rennie said that he would be in favour of the list and asked Councillor Govenlock to make a motion, which he then did. In his motion, Councillor Govenlock added that he wanted the list provided by the next scheduled meeting. “I realize Council’s concerns with the roads and the request for a list of roads; however, having that presented at the next Council meeting may be pushing it. That is going to require substantial work to compile,” said Director Bachand. He then asked if it could be pushed back by two meetings, which would be July 21.

Councillor Govenlock agreed, and the vote went ahead. It passed unanimously. As Mayor John Burrows attempted to move forward with the next item on the agenda, a voice came over the speakers. Oddly, Councillor Govenlock seems to refuse to acknowledge John Burrows as Mayor and chooses to call him either Councillor Burrows or Mr. Burrows. He was repeatedly reminded of his error over the last several meetings but has yet to fix his mistake.

He spoke. “Mr. Burrows, the second matter I have was with regard to the tabled motion of reallocating a million dollars.” Councillor Govenlock said that he had tabled a motion at the previous meeting and that he wanted to table it again to coincide with the road information provided next month. Mayor Burrows said he first had to locate the tabled motion. CAO Frank Gordon joined the conversation and stated that there was no formal motion made from the previous meeting concerning reallocating a million dollars.

Councillor Govenlock pushed. “I am going to challenge Mr. Frank’s assertion. I put forward a motion, and that motion was tabled until the road maintenance tour had been completed. To suggest there was not a motion put forward is rather irresponsible from Administration. There was a motion, and it involved a million dollars to be taken out of the budget.” Frank then stated that at the beginning of the current meeting, Council approved the minutes from the previous meeting and that the motion he was referring to was not included in that.

Wanting to move forward, Mayor Burrows asked Councillor Govenlock if he would like to make a new motion, which was easy to do. “Well, since Mr. Frank wants to play the game, I’ll make a formal motion right now,” started Councillor Govenlock, but before it could continue, Mayor Burrows cut in to speak. “Councillor Govenlock, I just want to say that nobody is playing games here and I don’t think it’s fair to characterize what Mr. Frank is saying is a game. We have a process, and the minutes were approved. There is no game going on here. We are all in this for the best interests of the municipality. Mr. Frank is doing his best to look after the municipality. Council is doing its best to look after the municipality. The roads are a concern for absolutely every councillor sitting at the table here.”

Mayor Burrows then gave him back the floor and asked him to make his new motion. “I’ll put forward the motion that a million dollars be reallocated out of the existing budget for road maintenance and repairs,” said Councillor Govenlock. Councillor Kluin suggested they wait until Administration compiles their list before putting any money aside. “I think any discussion on reallocating money is a total waste of time until we see the list and figure out where we will find the money.” Councillor Rennie agreed on waiting for a comprehensive list before making financial plans.

Mayor Burrows said he is an advocate for trying to figure out exactly which roads are in the worst shape and what can be repaired or rebuilt. “I agree that a million dollars is probably not going to be enough to carry out the repairs and some of the long-term things that need to be done to our roads, and that is why I’m not for this motion. I agree that the process has to be formalized, and I think it’ll be done through the list coming forward to Council.” The motion was defeated. If any resident wants to see a specific road added to the list, they can reach out to their Woodlands County Councillor or contact Administration.