To the Editors,
I have lived 42 years on Fairview Avenue East in Dunnville and I am fortunate that I live on the south side where there are no exposed ditches, but the north side has about half the block with open ditches in front of some houses and filled in areas on others.
Years ago when I moved in, homeowners were allowed to put in culverts and fill them at their expense with the town’s blessing, but that is not allowed now.
I have been at odds with our alleged ‘lame duck’ Councilman, Bernie Corbett, for over 10 years about filling these ditches, but he always has an excuse. I contacted him on this matter several weeks ago and his reply was, “In my discussions with engineering it was put in their radar.” I allege this issue is payback for my letters criticizing some council members and the mayor’s decisions over the years.
I read about the ditching in Haldimand County in Council news and thought maybe I could get some action on this matter, but it’s doubtful.
The stupid part of this is in about 2009 the water lines were replaced on Fairview Avenue East and the street was torn up and I personally met with Councillor Corbett and the head engineer and practically begged them to put culverts in and fill in the ditches, but I believed their response was, it wasn’t in the budget.
So in the mean time I will look out my front window and see the colourful weeds growing in the ditches, but after 40 years you get used to it and the incompetence of whoever is my councilman. I am still allegedly contemplating contacting Skylar Williams and getting him to possibly dig some ditches in front of Councilman Corbett’s house so he too could enjoy the view.
Doug Wadel,
Dunnville
