A proposal to investigate sound mitigation measures along Highway 11 in the Muskoka Falls area met with little enthusiasm at the most recent Bracebridge General Committee meeting.
“They’re in my top five ugliest features ever constructed by man,” said Mayor Graydon Smith, of the sound muffling barriers often found along major highways in urban areas.
Coun. Archie Buie brought forward a proposal that the Ministry of Transportation consider the idea and said he had received comments from different people asking for the barriers. Buie said the barriers are now common practice when new highways are being constructed in residential areas. He said higher than normal decibel levels have been recorded in the Muskoka Falls area.
Several councillors spoke out against making the request, with Mayor Smith saying it didn’t fit the aesthetic of Muskoka generally.
Council voted against the motion.
Coun. Buie also made a more successful request that the Ministry of Transportation investigate safety at the at-grade crossing at the intersection of Highway 118 East and Uffington Road/Ashley Lane to consider whether it warrants the installation of an overhead flashing caution light or other safety measures.
Buie said motorists in that area go well over the posted speed limit and something was needed to slow them down.
While the motion passed, Coun. Mark Quemby said he was opposed to more speed restrictions along Highway 118 East. He said the road is a vital transportation corridor for the movement of goods and people, and it shouldn’t be hampered in any way.
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