{"id":456,"date":"2022-08-29T14:15:38","date_gmt":"2022-08-29T18:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/?page_id=456"},"modified":"2022-08-31T20:49:42","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T00:49:42","slug":"infrastructure-roads","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/infrastructure-roads\/","title":{"rendered":"Infrastructure &#038; Roads"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"456\" class=\"elementor elementor-456\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-74053d7e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"74053d7e\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-35e47025\" data-id=\"35e47025\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-628771ea elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"628771ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Elect Bob Masaro<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b2d94f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6b2d94f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Councillor - Osgoode Ward 20<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2426d006 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2426d006\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c4bd34e\" data-id=\"c4bd34e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f2c793d elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7f2c793d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1990cb86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1990cb86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Robert P. Masaro, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed.\n<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-595e4db elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"595e4db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">For Fiscal Accountability<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e874b78 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e874b78\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Election Date: October 24, 2022<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-318d0f81 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"318d0f81\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a89df6b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2a89df6b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/stormwater-rain-tax\/\">PETITION: To REPEAL STORMWATER \"RAIN\" TAX\n<\/a><\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-376ecb3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"376ecb3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/term-limits\/\">PETITION: TERM LIMITS FOR ELECTED MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS \n<\/a><\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1bfb99d6\" data-id=\"1bfb99d6\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-673213e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"673213e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/S51015CA200127_p_10-200x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-73\" alt=\"Candidate Bob Masaro\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/S51015CA200127_p_10-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/S51015CA200127_p_10-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/S51015CA200127_p_10-700x1050.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1371ecbe elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1371ecbe\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-37efb4a8\" data-id=\"37efb4a8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7118087f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7118087f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Election Platform \u2013 Major Issues in 2022:<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35f5292c elementor-nav-menu__align-center elementor-nav-menu--dropdown-tablet elementor-nav-menu__text-align-aside elementor-nav-menu--toggle elementor-nav-menu--burger elementor-widget elementor-widget-nav-menu\" data-id=\"35f5292c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;layout&quot;:&quot;horizontal&quot;,&quot;submenu_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&lt;i class=\\&quot;fas fa-caret-down\\&quot;&gt;&lt;\\\/i&gt;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;fa-solid&quot;},&quot;toggle&quot;:&quot;burger&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"nav-menu.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/plugins\/elementor-pro\/assets\/css\/widget-nav-menu.min.css\">\t\t\t<nav class=\"elementor-nav-menu--main elementor-nav-menu__container elementor-nav-menu--layout-horizontal e--pointer-underline e--animation-fade\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul id=\"menu-1-35f5292c\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu\"><li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-414\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Taxes:<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-466\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/transit-lrt\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Transit \u2013 LRT<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-465\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/tewin-development\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Tewin Development<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-464\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/infrastructure-roads\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Infrastructure &#038; Roads<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-463\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/community-services-protection\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Community Services &#038; Protection<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-462\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/additional-local-supports\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Additional Local Supports<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-677\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/incumbents-again\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Incumbents \u2026 AGAIN!<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-660\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/2014-election-platform\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">2014 Election Platform<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-toggle\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Menu Toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"elementor-menu-toggle__icon--open eicon-menu-bar\"><\/i><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"elementor-menu-toggle__icon--close eicon-close\"><\/i>\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Menu<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<nav class=\"elementor-nav-menu--dropdown elementor-nav-menu__container\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul id=\"menu-2-35f5292c\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu\"><li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-414\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Taxes:<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-466\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/transit-lrt\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Transit \u2013 LRT<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-465\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/tewin-development\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Tewin Development<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-464\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/infrastructure-roads\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Infrastructure &#038; Roads<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-463\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/community-services-protection\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Community Services &#038; Protection<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-462\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/additional-local-supports\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Additional Local Supports<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-677\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/incumbents-again\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Incumbents \u2026 AGAIN!<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-660\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/2014-election-platform\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">2014 Election Platform<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4d6ba720 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4d6ba720\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1a17ffb4\" data-id=\"1a17ffb4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33c2768d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"33c2768d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Infrastructure &amp; Roads: <\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>Pursue enhancement in materials and road planning methods used for \u201coptimum durability\u201d of our roads.<\/li><li>Provide constant, increased funding for Road Infrastructure in the entire Osgoode Ward.<\/li><li>Create a comprehensive plan for re-surfacing of all secondary and tertiary roads in Osgoode Ward.<\/li><li>Improve Road Safety<\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One of the most <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">critical<\/span> concerns in our Ward is the need to improve the conditions of many of our roads. In total, Osgoode Ward has well over 500KMs of paved and over 100KMs of gravel roadways. It is indeed quite a large area to cover. However, there is no question that <strong>since amalgamation<\/strong>, the overall condition of our roads has been allowed to <em>continually deteriorate<\/em> by the city. Furthermore, many of the roads in Rural Cumberland including the villages of Carlsbad Springs and Vars are in very poor condition as well. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Root Causes of Problem<\/span><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are several <em>root causes<\/em> of the problem that I can certainly point out. The first and most obvious one is that Osgoode Ward has constantly received \u201clow priority\u201d status in the city\u2019s planning. Clearly, roads in the urban and suburban communities have been given a much higher priority according to the city\u2019s master plan. We have constantly seen our rural roads being done in a rush late in the road work season.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Inconsistency and Neglect<\/span><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In addition, one of the most obvious problems that we had for years was a councillor, Doug Thompson, who would not stand up for us and provide the necessary input to the city on this file. Since road maintenance is one of the very few \u201ccore\u201d services that the city provides for us we should definitely not have to get \u201cdown on our knees\u201d to have these issues resolved. This is an obvious area where our tax money should <em>come back to us<\/em>. Furthermore, a consistent, clear and concise plan is required.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To highlight this lack of consistency and neglect, there are a few facts that must be put before you to consider. In 2010, an election year, approximately $9.4 million was spent to upgrade our road infrastructure. However, in the following year 2011, only $6.1 million was spent. Moreover, in the ensuing years the amounts that were allocated continued to \u201cspiral\u201d downwards to only $4 million being spent on our road infrastructure in 2013. Suddenly in 2014, another election year, we received about $12 million of road improvements in the Ward. May I respectfully suggest that we had a councillor that used our dire need for road maintenance as a \u201csham\u201d to buy votes. Obviously, the clearly manipulated plans always emphasized where one could get the most political \u201cbrownie points\u201d. If elected, I would provide constant, increased funding for Road Infrastructure in the entire Osgoode Ward. (approx. 25 &#8211; 30 million \/ year &#8212; <strong>NOT<\/strong> just an election year!)<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Change the Approach Taken<\/span><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In addition, there definitely has to be a change in the <strong>approach<\/strong> the city takes to road infrastructure in several ways. Far too often, the condition of the roads, full of cracks and potholes, is passed off by councillors and city officials with the rather weak statement that it is \u201cdue to the bad winter we had\u201d. Clearly, these individuals are devoid of much insight into this issue. There are several other factors that come into play including the quality of paving materials used, the contracting company used to do the job and also the timing of the project.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I should point out here that I have an insight and knowledge of the Osgoode Ward roads like no other candidate could <strong>ever claim<\/strong>. For several years I worked on the roads during the summer months for the Regional government and also part of the City takeover in the 2000\u2019s. During this period I literally went to each and every corner of this city, as I painted all the stop bars and cross-walks. I also walked many miles pre-marking newly paved roads for the large painting truck. Therefore, I <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">definitely<\/span> have some perspectives that I can offer as I saw what went on with regard to road work.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"66.66%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As an excellent example I can offer for your consideration is the condition of River Road. I pre-marked River Road (RR#19) in the section from Flag Station Road to the curve just before Mitch Owen\u2019s Road in Manotick in 2003. I would appreciate it if you could look at the pictures of the current condition of this major road. This area of roadway has stood up extremely well for over 17 years due to the <strong>higher quality<\/strong> of materials used, superior contractor paving company and the time of year it was done! This section of River Road was re-paved last year to cover up the superior material comparison I have\/will be mentioning in this post. Contrast this to Rideau Valley Drive (RR#3 from RR6) into Manotick.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"33.33%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":224,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/river-road-past-flag-station-road-03.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/river-road-past-flag-station-road-03-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/river-road-past-flag-station-road-03-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/river-road-past-flag-station-road-03-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/river-road-past-flag-station-road-03-268x200.jpg 268w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/river-road-past-flag-station-road-03-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/river-road-past-flag-station-road-03.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>River Road Past Flag Station Road paved in 2003<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"33.33%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":225,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/rideau-valley-drive-near-Millers-Farm.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/rideau-valley-drive-near-Millers-Farm-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/rideau-valley-drive-near-Millers-Farm-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/rideau-valley-drive-near-Millers-Farm-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/rideau-valley-drive-near-Millers-Farm-268x200.jpg 268w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/rideau-valley-drive-near-Millers-Farm-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/rideau-valley-drive-near-Millers-Farm.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Rideau Valley Drive near Millers Farm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"66.66%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The pictures attached include the area near Miller\u2019s Farm, a roadway that was done a few years later. Also, compare this to pictures of Mitch Owen\u2019s Road in front of Spratt Road, which was done as recently as 2009. In each case, I could even tell as the paving material was going down that the paving material was <strong>inferior<\/strong>, the company used took less time and care while they were doing the job. In addition, in these cases, it was done later in the season.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"66.66%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Furthermore, my observations can be substantiated by Simon Hesp, a Queen\u2019s University professor. As Hesp points out, far too often in municipalities like Ottawa our roads are being paved using asphalt with \u201cinferior additives\u201d such as engine oil and oil residues. As he suggests, we should use a much better quality asphalt. Better asphalt would cost only 10 to 15 per cent more, but will add <strong>several years<\/strong> to a road\u2019s life cycle. [1](<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/prof-has-crude-answer-to-potholes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">prof has crude answer to potholes<\/a>)<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"33.33%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":222,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/mitch-owens-corner-spratt-02.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/mitch-owens-corner-spratt-02-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/mitch-owens-corner-spratt-02-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/mitch-owens-corner-spratt-02-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/mitch-owens-corner-spratt-02-268x200.jpg 268w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/mitch-owens-corner-spratt-02-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/mitch-owens-corner-spratt-02.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Corner of Mitch Owens and Spratt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Therefore, may I suggest, if the city of Ottawa would spend the money <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">initially<\/span> on better quality materials they would greatly reduce all the subsequent costs such as for the road crews fixing the potholes and all the cold patch material used. Even of greater significance is the fact that there would be less damage to the vehicles of Ottawa motorists and far less claims for damage to the city taxpayers. As your councillor, I would be \u201c<strong>relentless<\/strong>\u201d in my efforts to get the city staff and council to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">listen<\/span> to these facts!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Solutions<\/span><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In summary, the transportation master plan has to be \u201crefocused\u201d to reflect the realities of the size and condition of road infrastructure in this city. There is no question that due to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">neglect<\/span> and <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">poor<\/span> articulation by our representatives the city has had absolutely <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">no understanding<\/span> of the importance of this issue to areas such as ours. They have to stop the <em>ad hoc patch-work approach<\/em> to road infrastructure offered to us to this point. It has always appeared as if they are behaving as if they are \u201cplugging a dyke\u201d.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, there should be a step \u2013 by \u2013 step master plan for dealing with our Ward and all others over time, not this \u201cstop gap\u201d approach. Far too often you see paving being ripped up as some other aspect of infrastructure is being done. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Our road planning should be done in a \u201cregular rotation\u201d, say a 10 \u2013 year cycle. Then, proper planning for all other road infrastructure could be allocated such as drainage, ditching, culvert replacement, wiring, lighting and so on. Furthermore, this \u201crotation\u201d of our entire road infrastructure should be done using top construction companies, using high quality materials at the appropriate time of the year for \u201c<strong>optimum durability<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Road Safety<\/span><\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Beyond the suggested changes in the approach taken to our road infrastructure by the city, I suggested the following improvements in road safety in 2014. Thankfully, Mayor Watson obviously saw these and made them part of his 2018 platform:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>As each future new roadway surfacing project is done in rural areas the paving of paved shoulders or bike lanes (approx. 5 feet ) should be mandated and integrated as a \u201cnecessary part\u201d of road infrastructure. Clearly marked with \u201cno passing to the right\u201d signage. This would greatly improve bike and vehicle safety on rural roads and also allow for safer stopping for emergencies including cell phone use. In addition, this would mean that any future edge cracking would occur along the side-panel not at the direct edge of the roadway.<\/li><li>Should insist that paving companies provide a very \u201cgentle slop\u201d away to the edge of the paved area for proper water drainage off the roadway.<\/li><li>Improve lighting along major roadways \u2013 such as Bank Street.<\/li><li>Traffic control in dangerous areas \u2013 stop lights at some 4 \u2013 way intersections, safer crossing at school zones. I should point out that I do not believe in the use of round \u2013 abouts. The costs between stop lights and round \u2013 abouts are very <strong>similar<\/strong>, however, the contrast in the impacts felt by many are often not highlighted. My concern is always for the sight-impaired, children and elderly when they attempt to cross round-about areas.<\/li><li>Greater traffic speed enforcement must be insisted upon, especially along school zones.<\/li><li>Flashing lights and proper cross-walks in open roadways for safer crossing of snowmobiles.<\/li><li>Improve signage \u2013 at some intersections street names are barely visible until you get there. Also there has been an obvious reduction in the upkeep and posting of various signs such as speed limits, this must be improved!<\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, these suggests are just a starting point to attempt to improve road infrastructure and safety in our rural areas and also in the city, but much more work needs to be done in <strong>all<\/strong> areas of Osgoode Ward.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Elect Bob Masaro Councillor &#8211; Osgoode Ward 20 Robert P. Masaro, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. For Fiscal Accountability Election Date: October 24, 2022 PETITION: To REPEAL STORMWATER &#8220;RAIN&#8221; TAX PETITION: TERM LIMITS FOR ELECTED MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS Election Platform \u2013 Major Issues in 2022: Infrastructure &amp; Roads: Pursue enhancement in materials and road &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-full-width.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/456"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=456"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/456\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":535,"href":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/456\/revisions\/535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bobmasaro.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}