Well, there had been little happening in Tiverton for the past month due to everyone abiding by the “Stay at home” suggestions. I say it is a suggestion because obviously there are people still congregating in groups, without masks or social distancing. Hopefully not in this area. Why? Grey Bruce is at a critical stage right now and we have to comply with these orders. We need to stick together and get through this.
On that note, there has been a lot of talk about the Municipality of Kincardine’s new council. Due to unforeseen circumstances, there have been many changes in the last year. I, for one, would not like to be on any council or government body during this time of COVID-19. There is a petition going around and a lot of talk on social media about this. Unfortunately, Marie Wilson passed away and a new deputy mayor was appointed. Randy Roppel was chosen, I’m sure, due to his knowledge and lengthy political career. Do you not trust the decision of the rest of the council members that were voted in?
Then, Mayor Anne Eadie suddenly resigned. As it should be, the Deputy Mayor stepped up to do the job, not because he wanted to, but because that is what he signed on for. It just so happens he does not live in Ward 1 but all wards are part of the municipality of Kincardine. Right? What difference does it make where he lives? Tiverton and it’s surrounding communities accepted that Mayor Eadie was not from Tiverton. After all, we are all the same community. Amalgamation took care of that. I”m personally insulted that some people in Kincardine still think that Tiverton is in it’s little bubble and Tiverton doesn’t deserve what they rightfully expect.
I saw this when there was the great sewer/water debate. Some, not all, residents in Kincardine said they didn’t think their tax dollars should be spent in Inverhuron. Why not? Tiverton generates a lot of property and business taxes that are spent in all the municipality, including Kincardine. Tiverton is home to Bruce Power, Bruce Telecom, the Bruce Business Park, the Inverhuron Provincial Park and too many more to mention. Have you ever thought about the total taxes that come from these businesses alone? I’m sure the amalgamation was done for this very reason. Is de-amalgamation the answer?
The petition going around is to have a re-election because people don’t like what the rest of council did in voting Randy Roppel in as Deputy Mayor. Why would you want to force an election in this time of chaos? My concern is mostly due to the negative comments on social media and in the public, about Randy Roppel not living in Ward 1 but living in Tiverton. Why should this be a concern? Sounds like discrimination. We are all in the Municipality of Kincardine no matter what ward we are in. We should be coming together at this time, not trying to segregate. I would love to know what others think of this petition. Anyone’s comments submitted regarding this issue will be posted in next week’s news.
For anyone that missed this article, I will repost.
“A group of concerned citizens has approached the County and MTO to streamline and improve signage in and around Tiverton and Inverhuron, saying the sooner the changes happen, the better. Eileen Kirk, Allison Montgomery and Dave Jewett, all of whom have a long-time connection to Inverhuron and Tiverton, have formed the Bruce Road 15 Safety Group, with the hope of making the roads in the area safer for residents, cottagers and visitors. Ask Jewett about how, in the 50s, a late-night speeder rear-ended his dad’s 1955 Chevy after swerving right to avoid driving into the lake, at Lake Street and Bruce Road 15.
Back in July of 1995, a bus crashed into the area bordering a cottage in Inverhuron that was then owned by Kirk’s and Montgomery’s mother. And just a few months ago, on January 15th, an almost identical crash occurred and a motorist was subsequently charged. It was this incident that prompted the creation of the Safety Group, with a strong sense of urgency to get changes made soon. The group has been contacting representatives at the local, county and provincial level in order to have its concerns heard. It has also created a presentation, complete with dozens of images, describing the problem areas.
“Inverhuronites are tired of the longstanding and heretofore unsolved problems of lost and/or speeding motorists,” said Jewett. Ultimately, the committee wants to increase safety and decrease the number of accidents by achieving two goals. First, it hopes to simplify signage that is posted in the area, providing clarity as to what direction motorists should travel to get to their destinations, removing repetition and reducing the amount of directions drivers are expected to follow. Second, it wants to reduce speeding in areas going through and into Tiverton and Inverhuron.
“The summer, and associated surges in people and traffic, will soon be at Inverhuron,” said Jewett, and the committee hopes to have signs erected “as soon as the ground is thawed enough” to put in signposts. As of press time, Jewett is pleased to announce that he has good news about the signage at the King and Main Street intersection. Jewett said that MTO sign staff are finalizing details and hope to get the ball rolling, and perhaps have new signage at King and Main streets in a couple of months.
Condolences to the families of these Tiverton and area residents on the passing of Robert “Brent” Jackson, Larry Munro, Linda Ann Young and Basil Davenport.
If anyone would like to submit comments or any special events, please email tivertonnews@gmail.com
