County continues to explore options for rural public transportation

Wellington County’s economic development and social services departments continue to explore rural public transportation options for the county.

In a report at the Feb. 20 economic development committee meeting, economic development director Jana Burns advised members of the department created a survey to determine rider demand and within five days had 639 surveys completed. The survey revealed 89 per cent of respondents support a transportation system in rural Wellington.

“Our intent is to examine existing modes of transport for seniors and those with limited mobility and see how we can broaden the transportation options to bring workers to employers, people into the downtowns and economic/social connections presently foregone,” Burns stated in the report.

Burns reported that following a “fruitful” transportation forum with local transportation providers, municipalities, businesses and others such as RideCo and Guelph Transit on Feb. 14, the county will be submitting two applications for provincial grant funding to further explore rural transit options.

In January, council approved an economic development committee recommendation to apply for funding of $100,000 over five years through the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s Community Transportation Program.

Gateway signage

Burns also reported a total of 24 out of 31 new Wellington County gateway signs had been installed as of the Feb. 20 meeting. Five signs located on MTO roads are to be installed under the Decorative Municipal Display Signage Program and are currently awaiting locates/approval from the MTO.

Two 401 signs were planned for installation for the week of Feb. 19.

Burns also reported that “with minimal promotion,” the county has already received five business applications for 21 sign locations. Staff are also reviewing the previous agreement with Canadian TODS (Tourism Oriented Directional Signing).

Water testing

Wellington County Libraries are slated to become distribution points for water testing sample kits.

In November Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health’s medical officer of health and CEO Dr. Nicola Mercer advised county council of the health unit’s goal of increasing the amount of water testing done by local water well owners.

At the Feb. 22 county council meeting,  chief librarian Murray McCabe advised council he contacted the health unit to offer the assistance of the library system.

“The library has offered to be distribution point for water testing samples,” said McCabe.

In addition, McCabe said, three branches - Arthur, Erin and Marden - will be reception points for completed tests, which will be transferred by courier to the health unit.

“We’re still working out the details of that, but we’re hoping to have it in place by June,” said McCabe.