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The Morriston Tract Readers Forum
Two days ago I was reading in the Advertiser about the proposed re-routing of Highway 6 to by-pass Morriston and thinking I should post something about it on this web site as it would be of interest to Puslinchers. But, before I could act on that thought, I received the following e-mail: 
Here is another letter from a family concerned about the proposed bypass. It has been faxed to the Mayor with a request for his comments. March 30, 2002 Dear Mayor Brad Whitcombe; In the fall of 1998 my wife and I moved to Morriston from Waterloo. We had looked for several years to find the best location to suit both our needs. Both of us required easy access to the 401 as Eva teaches in Kitchener and I do consulting work with companies from Mississauga to Sarnia located near the 401 corridors. Morriston was an ideal choice. We selected the subdivision on the west side of Highway 6 primarily because the amount of traffic noise from the 401 was significantly less than the subdivision on the east side. Prior to and after the purchase of our lot we were not informed of neither the planned re-routing of Highway 6 or that public meetings had been held regarding this matter. We certainly would have made further enquiries concerning the planned route and would probably have selected a different area if the current proposal was being seriously considered. The densely forested tract of land between the subdivision and the 401 not only provides a visual barrier but an effective noise barrier to the traffic noise. One of the concerns we had when we moved here was the lack of mature trees in the subdivision but the Pine growth made up for some of that. Environmental concerns are certainly not being addressed if trees are destroyed despite access to alternative solutions. The current proposed route not only destroys well-established trees but it also would greatly increase the amount of traffic noise in the subdivision, especially for the residents along Telfer Glen. In addition a cement or similar noise barrier would have to be constructed simply to replace a natural one already in place. The lack of public input during the last eight years is also of a great concern and leads one to wonder if the individuals making the decisions have the latest information and are aware of resident’s concerns. We do not dispute the need for the continuation of the four-lane highway and in fact welcome it. The amount of traffic has significantly increased during the four years that we have lived there. During the same period there has been at least three fatalities on Highway 6 near Morriston. The connector road from Telfer Glen might be moved to the north side of the 401 or it could moved between the land tract and the south side. All you have to do is look at the two sides of the road and you can see for yourself that the north side has few trees and no residences whereas the south side is heavily forested with precious wetlands and residences. This is just one alternative. I hope that after reviewing our concerns you will join in trying to preserve the natural areas and find a route that is acceptable to all parties involved. Sincerely, Eva and Fred Facca 6 settlers Court. Morriston Ont. N0B 2C0 Cc: Hon. Elizabeth Witmer, Waterloo Minister of the Environment Hon. Brad Clark, Stoney Creek Minister of Transportation Mr. Rob Nadolny, Ministry of Environment Mr. Bill Jones, Planning and Environmental Office Mr. Brian Goudeseune, Ministry of Transportation I faxed a copy of the above letter to Mayor Whitcombe. He called me back a few days later. He said that the decision to go ahead with the by-pass was now at the Provincial level and suggested that if I wanted more information on the subject I should go to the Township office and read the Enviromental Assessment done on the proposed by-pass. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) the assessment is in three volumes and about six inches thick. Not the few photocopied pages I was hoping to pick up while on my way to the "Y". I spent about 20 minutes examining it and it was certainly impressive and seemed very comprehensive. The proposal to build the by-pass dates back to the mid-80s, and public concerns were addressed at that time. It appears that since then the Telfer Glen subdivision has developed without the residents being aware that a four lane highway was going to be going through their "backyards"--at least for the Facca family. Dear Paul: While I am not sure that I want to get into a debate on issues via the internet, I was interested to see some of the comments on your web page regarding the Realignment of Highway 6 (Morriston Tract Association) and the decision of Mayor Brad Whitcombe to not participate actively on your web page. As these are two diverse issues, I will address them separately so that you can put them under the appropriate headings. Morriston Tract Conservation Association.The mere heading suggests that the information is rather one-sided and I note that you have attempted to address the situation by adding your own comments - and trying to wade through the EA at the Township Offices. My sympathies, as I have done the same! Perhaps I can share a few highlights of the EA with you that will help put this discussion into perspective.1. In the late 1970's, early 1980's the whole Highway #6 corridor from Hamilton to the 401 was being evaluated. The stretch from Clapperson’s Corner to Freelton was widened and completed in 1981. Attention then focused on the remaining portion. 2. Because there were more environmental concerns that needed to be addressed for the Puslinch-Flamborough Townline to the 401portion (Section B) than for the Freelton to Puslinch-Flamborough Townline portion (Section A), it was decided to divide the section into two and deal with each portion separately. Section A has been completed for several years. 3. Originally, it was only intended to realign Highway #6 around Morriston but in 1984 the Hamlet of Puslinch was added to the bypass. 4. Many options in dealing with this portion of Highway #6 were addressed: leaving it as it was, encouraging use of other forms of transportation, etc. All were rejected in favour of building a bypass. Five different alignments were examined and ranked according to feasibility. The current proposed routing was selected by the Ministry of Transportation in 1986. 5. In 1990, the Ministry of Natural Resources raised concerns regarding the interchange at the Hanlon and Concession 34. They did not raise any other concerns, certainly not in the Morriston area. At this stage the Morriston Tract, a man-made forest of pine trees which could only have been a couple of feet high at the time, was obviously of no significance. 6. As required by the EA, countless public meetings were held to address the various issues raised by the proposed realignment. As Telfer Glen was only a twinkle in the eye of its developer, it had no bearing on any decisions that were made. 7. More studies were done to address the concerns of commenting agencies and the public and, in 1994, the final EA was presented to the MTO - presumably for action. In 1998 my husband and I moved from Guelph to the community of Puslinch. Up until then my exposure to Highway #6 had been limited though, through the news media, I had been aware of the tragic accidents that seemed to take place rather often on this stretch of the highway. No, we do not live on Highway #6 and we are not impacted on a daily basis by the traffic on the highway. We are, however, painfully aware when an accident occurs and the full force of Highway #6 traffic is diverted along our narrow, barely paved road. If the Morriston Tract Conservation Association members are concerned with the impact of traffic on wildlife they should see the results after one of these diversions. For a few years we gritted our teeth, prayed for the unknown souls and carried on with our lives. Last year, in July after one such accident, I had had enough and proceeded to correspond with our MPP, Brenda Elliott and, later, Puslinch Council and anyone who would listen. I added further fuel to the fire in December when, in a space of a week, there were two serious and fatal accidents. While it is only the serious accidents that seem to garner attention, you should be aware that minor accidents are a weekly occurrence. Ms. Elliott, who obviously shares my concerns, forwarded my letters and pleas for help to the Minister of Transportation, who has in recent months been pushing the process forward (perhaps it had been preprogrammed even before I got involved). Several months ago the EA was forwarded to the Ministry of Environment for their review. Even though Highway #6 is a Provincial Highway and does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Township of Puslinch, the Mayor and Councillors have worked long and tirelessly to see the bypass constructed as speedily as possible. I have seen them criticized for seeming cavalier about the concerns of the Telfer Glen residents but I have to agree with Council’s response. This is not a chicken and egg situation; it is very clear that the route for the bypass was in place first. Furthermore, the Morriston Tract is a pine forest planted by humans. When decisions were being made regarding the realignment, the pine trees were only a few feet high; it is the long delay that has turned it into a perceived natural treasure. I wish I could say that things were moving along as they should. Unfortunately, my latest information is that the MOE is planning to hold further public meetings to address the concerns raised by the residents of Telfer Glen. From my involvement with several levels of government over the years, I suspect that this process will take at least a year and, depending on the outcome of the public hearings, the decision-making process could take several more years. As many as the 25 the first EA took? Anything is possible. My heart goes out to the accident victims (and their families) who will lose their lives on Highway # 6 over the next however many years. What have we come to when we put trees ahead of people? As you have pointed out in your comments, Telfer Glen came into being after the proposed realignment was accepted by the MTO. Purchasers in this subdivision should have done their homework and been aware of the proposal - or maybe they did but thought that, after 15 or 20 years, it would never happen. There was an interesting letter in the latest Puslinch Pioneer from Susan Fielding. She lives on Highway #6 and the new bypass will go right through the middle of her property - severely impacting its value, not to mention all the concerns raised by the residents of Telfer Glen. Yet this classy lady is able to put the situation into perspective: that human lives are more important than a forest of trees. As she points out, the Morriston Tract is not the only home to wildlife in the area and regardless of where the bypass goes, it will impact the environment. The proposed realignment may not be ideal, but after many years of study, it was deemed the most suitable. In closing, you might be interested to know that the horizon year for the completion of this bypass according to the EA was 2004! This letter continues on The Mayor’s Page (or rather the page that isn’t). Sandra Solomon 4080 Maddaugh Road Thank you Sandra for your timely e-mail. You have provided much needed background information on the Morriston Tract issue. It clearly took time and effort on your part to compose such a well written letter. Below is the letter from the Pioneer that Sandra referred to. Printed in the April, 2002 edition of the Puslinch Pioneer. It is 3:40pm on April 3. As I drive home from work, the radio catches my attention. The traffic report says to avoid #6 Hwy. just south of Morriston. There has been a serious accident and the highway is closed. I instantly feel ill as ease. My two younger children usually get home at 3:20pm. I call home; there is no answer. My stomach is in knots. I silently pray the bus has not been involved in the accident. Finally, my daughter calls me at 4pm to tell me she and her sister are home safely. I breathe a sigh of relief, but still wonder if I may know the people involved in this accident. I ask myself how many times can this happen before something is done? I have read letters written in support of the goals of the Morriston Tract Conservation Association. Our family shares many of the concerns which the MTCA brings up. The proposed route for the highway will cut through the middle of our farm. Our family and our neighbours enjoy using the lanes on our farm for walking our dogs, bike riding, snowmobiling, horseback riding and getting some exercise. It may come as a surprise to some, but all of the wildlife in Puslinch does not reside in the public land in Morriston. We too, have an abundance of deer, foxes, rabbits, possums, coyotes and several species of birds along with mature trees, wetlands and land used for agriculture. I feel sad when I think of this land being used for a highway. However, the traffic that the existing highway must accommodate has become unsustainable. Since our lane is directly off the highway, I have witnessed much of the carnage first hand. Over the last few months we have seen fatalities and serious injuries. I was involved in an accident in November while attempting to turn down a side road off the highway. My accident was considered minor, but I can tell you that is has had a devastating effect on our family, emotionally, physically and financially. These "minor" type accidents occur on a near daily basis. I am glad to hear that the MTCA is no way opposed to the rerouting of #6 Hwy. However, I feel those involved in the MTCA must ask themselves, if they are able to persuade government to move the highway west of the crown land, will this result in a delay of the construction of the new highway? As far as I am concerned, any delay in this project is unacceptable. The currently proposed route was set down many years ago. It was decided after much thought and public consultation. This route was determined before homes were built forty feet from it. I would be interested to know if the MTCA considers the Telfer Glen subdivision a good plan under "Smart Growth"? A very lengthy and costly environmental assessment is now complete. We needed this highway years ago, and we definitely need it NOW! It is not a simple task to move the proposed route. I fear all of this first rate planning and headway will delayed indefinitely if we have to go back to square one. Interestingly, the MTCA claims to have 1000 signatures supporting the preservation of the crown lands. I have asked many ay of my neighbours, most whose land will be directly affected by the rerouting of #6 Hwy and none have been asked to sign this petition. The consensus in my neighbourhood is that they would decline to sign. I challenge the MTCA to find a route where there is not some negative impact on the environment. Let's be realistic. Puslinch is a rural area and not matter where this highway ends up in our Township, it will affect wildlife, homes and residents. I would like to ask the supporters of the MTCA: Are you willing to delay the construction of this highway, which will make our Township safer for everyone, so that one piece of land may be saved? Sincerely, Susan Fielding Thank you Susan for making your letter available for reproduction on this web site. And, thank you for sharing your heartfelt and insightful comments on this issue. Please send me an e-mail if you have other information or comments about this issue. May, 23 Below is a response from Michael Cross to the above letter from Sandra Solomon. Dear Paul, With great interest, I have read the various updates re: the Morriston Tract on your website. Let me bring up one point that will add yet more debate to this issue. That is, if the Puslinch Township Council was actually concerned about the traffic and pedestrian safety on Highway #6, why do they not simply petition the provincial government to have the speed limit dropped to 50 km for the 3-4km through Morriston that is not four lanes? They could then ask for increased police monitoring of that portion of the highway. This could be completed very acutely and without difficulty. Indeed, Dan Blair and I proposed this to Puslinch COPs (Community Oriented Policing) in February but had our proposal rejected. If the bypass around Morriston is still two years away (minimally), why not make these changes NOW? Contrary to the views of Sandra Solomon, she does not know all the facts surrounding this issue. She continues to try to make this a "Not in my backyard" and "Buyer Beware" issue for the Telfer Glen residents. This combination of ignorance and intolerance is astounding. Ms. Solomon has been a very public voice for Puslinch Council for some time. Unfortunately, like Council, she is closed-minded to the realities of this issue and shallow-minded in her approach to solving it. With best regards, Dr. Michael Cross Morriston, ONT. At this point I think I should make it clear that I do not live near the Moriston area. I can't see how it will affect my family much. But if it saves lives, I think the by-pass is good. Having access to a wilderness area is also good. I guess it is a trade-off. If there is an alternative let's hear about it. On this web site I am presenting the veiws of others who are concerned about the by-pass. I am trying to remain neutral on what is clearly a complex issue. May, 26 Susan Feilding responds to the comment above from Michael Cross. I would like to respond to the letter written by Michael Cross. In it, he talks about the speed limit on #6 being lowered to 50 km along the two lane stretch. I have spoken with Dan Blair on this issue and I can see pros and cons to what is being proposed. The speed limit is now 60km along the two lane stretch through Puslinch. This is the part where my family resides. It was 80 km/hr prior to it being switched to 60 km/hr a few years ago. Our family must make a left hand turn out of our driveway to go north toward Guelph. Since the speed limit has been lowered there are much fewer breaks in the traffic which makes it more difficult and dangerous to turn on to the highway. What appears to have happened is that some motorist obey the speed limit, and therefore make for long lines of traffic behind them. Other motorists become very impatient with this lowered limit and I have actually had two occasions on which two vehicles have passed me on the bridge! Perhaps it is somewhat selfish on my part, but I fear our access to the highway will become even more dangerous. Also, since the limit has been lowered from 80 to 60, I don't think accidents have been any less frequent or severe. However, I cannot back this up statistically. Perhaps Michael has some numbers he would like to share. I also think the COPs committee should involve the residents whose lanes have direct access on to the highway in this decision making process, since these will be the residents most effected. I was saddened to read that the Puslinch Town Council is being labeled as uncaring for not acting on this suggestion. I have spoken with Councilor McKay (another resident whose lane is directly off the highway) and she too shares many of the same concerns regarding access. I feel this is an unfounded accusation against council. Once again, I think we need to look at all sides of the story. And since we appear to have unanimity on the subject of getting a new highway, let's work together to get it going! Sincerely, Susan Fielding I agree, let's get it going. Feb 17, 2003 Hi Paul: Just wondering about updates on the rerouting of #6 Highway through Puslinch and Morriston. The silence has been deafening recently. After some 'digging', I understand that the MOE has the EA on hold pending a decision from the MTO on how they will handle the MTCA dilemma. So much for the declaration by MTCA members that their issues would in no way impede progression of the project. Thanks! Just what we all need, more years of wrangling and probably a new EA. This is especially frustrating after consensus from the Puslinch community had been made on the proposed route several years ago. How sad that newcomers can cause havoc. If we ever have consensus again, there will likely be a new crop of 'concerned' residents who will once again force a change and prolong this project yet again. As I have stated before, no matter where this highway winds up in our rural community, it will effect residents, wildlife and agricultural land. The ones I really feel sorry for are the farmers who livelihood will be impacted by this. My empathy does not run so deep for those who are worried about missing a mediocre forest. If the MTCA is truly concerned about saving lives, perhaps they will swallow hard and admit, that they too, along with many other residents along this proposed route will take some hard knocks. This re-alignment is no way a perfect solution, but sometimes we all have to think of what is best for the masses and not just ourselves. Sincerely, Susan Fielding Well said, thank you Susan. Below is a response from the MTCA. Posted March 8, 2003. Hello Paul A few local residents have accused the Morriston Tract Conservation Association (MTCA) of delaying the Highway #6 South realignment. In the past week, we have received feedback from both the MTO and our MPP that in fact the MTCA has not delayed the Highway #6 South realignment process. We have been told that since the Environmental Assessment has not been completed to date we are working within the normal governmental processes and clearly have not delayed this project. Repeatedly we have maintained that the MTCA is in no way opposed to the re-routing of Hwy #6 and is in favour of beginning the re-routing of #6 as soon as possible. If it is necessary to place blame for the many delays of the proposed realignment of Highway #6 South, look no further than past Ontario Governments. The Liberals, Conservatives and NDP have all had the opportunity for over 20 years to complete the EA and to proceed with the funding and construction of this proposal. Their lack of resolution to this important project is not the fault of the MTCA. A legendary environmentalist in the our Township eloquently wrote to me that she thought it was unjust that we be blamed for an inadequate Environmental Assessment and a complete lack of commitment from our Provincial Government for the past 20 years. At our own expense we have commissioned a road engineering company to devise an alternative that will save all of the 30 acres of old growth Maple/Beech forest, establish a natural park, limit, environmental damage, eliminate the risk of contaminates, reduce the overall cost of the project, yet increases the efficiency and safety of the traffic flow around Morriston . This alternative only involves the connector road and thus does not change the core route of the government proposed realignment. Currently, one of the reasons why Hwy #6 through Morriston and the town of Puslinch is so unsatisfactory is that a large volume of through highway traffic has to blend on a two-lane road with slower local traffic. Exactly the same problem will exist on the Government proposed connection road. The through highway traffic going to and from the proposed realigned Hwy #6 must blend (on a two-lane road) with the local traffic from Calfass Road. This two lane "connector" road is every bit an integral part of the new Hwy #6 and indeed is really a "fork" of the new Hwy # 6. Interestingly, one of the strong arguments for a new Hwy #6 is the requirement to improve on the "deadly" two lane stretch of Hwy #6 from the town of Puslinch to the Hwy # 6 South interchange. Yet all that the new proposal achieves is moving the current "deadly" two-lane highway to a residential community in "deadly" two-lane format. Our proposed alternative eliminates the need to blend local traffic with through highway traffic and thus offers a much safer alternative. We will continue to strongly support the families living at the very dangerous railway overpass on Highway #6 South. Hopefully, they can now better understand our dilemma and ultimately have all parties work together to lobby for an expedited Highway #6 realignment. Finally, my family came to Wellington County as pioneers almost 150 years ago but that does not give me any more rights than someone moving into this Township as a "newcomer". I have absolutely no issue with anyone's views on any subject but lets please be careful about discriminatory comments about newcomers. There are many examples of positive contributions, such as volunteers at the Aberfoyle Public School and minor sports, by newcomers to our community. Dan Blair Co-President Morriston Tract Conservation Association Here is another comment from a resident living on Highway 6. Posted 31 March 2003. Hello Paul, I commend you for a great site - some of your links are a little rusty, but it's to be expected with the vast amount of information found here. You have put forth an excellent effort! I have been searching for information on the Highway 6 by-pass (short of going to the town for the long version) and was ecstatic to find a wealth of resources pertaining to facts right here on your sight. I've read through 1/2 of the letters and articles, and have printed the rest to save my eyes. My husband & I are new to the area. We live directly on the infamous Highway 6, just south of the 401. We reside on an 80-acre farm (the Weiner homestead) with our Limousin beef cattle. The road was of major safety concern to us in relocating the farm, and we did some brief research before settling to the area. Knowing that a resolution was far off in the distance, and wouldn’t affect "our" property, we chose to forge ahead. Since moving here in August 2002, we have noticed the majority of vehicles that pass by our home travel far beyond the 80km/hr posted speed. This is frightening. We have begun to question the inadequate police enforcement of the speed limit, along with the inconsistent speed limit (60Km to 80Km to 50Km) along the 2-lane stretch of road. We have also recently been involved with an impending change in our rural route delivery service by Canada Post. They too, in a matter of 3 months have deemed the area unsafe, and proposed, and tried to enforce a "temporary GMB" (general mail box). I had done some investigating and learned that the previous owners of our home, along with other residents on the East side fought to have the mail service changed to the East side of the road, from the West to save them from crossing Highway 6. In reply to Canada Posts impending change, I simply stated crossing the road would not be safe for myself, and have continued to receive mail at the end of my driveway. I’m not really sure where to start in raising concern for this by-pass. I’m not familiar with the MTCA, but I appreciate their concerns. I’m sure I have only just seen the tip of the iceberg, and I’m not sure if I want to delve deeper into this issue, but something compels me forward. Perhaps it’s the concern for safety, for my family and myself, for my neighbors and community, for travelers along this road. Perhaps it’s because as I read and learn how long this has been going on, I am confused by the bureaucracy as to why it has taken this long to make a considerable move towards safety. Perhaps it’s because I’ve lived here for just 8 months, and have already witnessed too many of the horrific events, as described in Ms. Fieldings letter, and would rather push onwards for change, than have to witness another life ceasing due to a dangerous stretch of road that needs attention. I would appreciate your feedback, and direction if any, as to how I can go about raising further concern on this issue. Kind regards, Denise Broniek RR 2, Puslinch, ON Thank you Denise, for your positive comments about this site. By having your feelings about this issue posted here you are helping to raise concern. You could also write to other media about your concerns. As you have observed from the above Susan Fielding has taken an active interest in the proposed Highway 6 By pass. She has an update for us Posted 5 May 2003 I would like to share the most current information I have from the MTO regarding the bypass around Puslinch and Morriston. Since October 2002 the highway project has been in a ‘holding pattern’, according to Carolyn Southey, an environmental planner with the MTO. The term ‘holding pattern’ meant the project was in limbo because the MTO had to address the concerns from the MTCA (Morriston Tract Conservation Association). In order to do so, the MTO needed to hire an engineering consultant. Ms. Southey’s office needed to have funding to hire this engineer. It has taken all these months (from October until April) for the funding to be approved. As of April 8, 2003, Ms. Southey is in the process of contracting an engineer. This could take up to one month. The engineer will then review the five alternate plans to the connector road that the MTCA has submitted. This will take approximately three months. Ms Southey stated that the MTO feels their plan is still the best. She did not want to speculate on how the MTO would handle the engineer’s recommendations if they felt one of the MTCA’s plans was feasible. She said, “no one at MTO wants to get into having to amend or redo the EA”. The best case scenario to get the highway project moving is if the MTO rejects the MTCA’s plans and sends the present plan to the MOE. Once the plans are with the MOE, a government review will be published and the public along with other government agencies will be able to comment. The government review takes 30 weeks. Ms. Southey added that they have not heard from any parties who are objecting to the main line. Once the government review is finalized, the project will then be passed onto the South-West Region of the MTO. At that point, another consultant will be hired to work on the detailed design of the highway realignment. This will take a minimum of 18 months. While this is happening, the MTO will also being making property acquisitions. According to Carolyn Southey, “actual construction is about three years away. It will be built in phases, with the bridge being addressed first.” Thank you, Susan for that information. Back to the Top |