By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
JARVIS — Haldimand County is seeking funding from the provincial government’s Connecting Links program to address deficiencies with the surface of Highway 3, also known as Talbot Street, in Jarvis.
This is the County’s second attempt to secure funding for the project, having been previously rejected for funding in the 2022-23 Connecting Links program.
Councillor Stewart Patterson explained of the County’s second attempt at getting the funding: “If you come in Highway 3, Talbot Street in Jarvis is a bit of a patchwork quilt. I know some folks are happy because it slows traffic down, but a new resurfacing would be much appreciated.”
Connecting links refers to the sections of provincially owned highways that go through towns, which fall under the jurisdiction and control of municipalities but remain subject to certain conditions as outlined in the Highway Traffic Act. There are currently five designated connecting links throughout Haldimand County along Highways 3 and 6.
“The road isn’t terrible, however when we ran the lines from the Jarvis lagoons to Townsend a lot of areas had to be dug up for connection purposes, resulting in a bit of a patchwork quilt on the road surface. This creates a bumpy transition and noise for neighbouring residents,” said Patterson.
The Province has committed to $30 million in spending for the 2023-24 program. Haldimand’s application asks for 90% of the estimated $690,238 needed to complete the repairs, including milling and repaving the roadway, as well as required spot repairs to curbs and sidewalks in the vicinity.
The County previously received Connecting Links funding of $1.3 million for Highway 3 in 2017, with County staff noting the higher dollar amount at the time was used to replace curbs and sidewalks, as well as install some stormwater drainage infrastructure, while the 2023-24 application is simply for rehabilitation work.
Patterson said the Province does not typically offer an explanation for why an application might be rejected, however he is hopeful for a better outcome the second time around: “I’m hopeful the application will be approved this time as staff have done an excellent job in completing the paperwork and the road is now one year older.”
Should the application be approved, the County will need to earmark $69,024 in the 2023 budget to cover their 10% of the overall cost.
Patterson concluded, “As Jarvis is the ‘crossroads’ for Haldimand, it would be great to see Talbot Street brought up to the standards of Main Street.”
