The reconstruction of Colborne St. in Orillia from Andrew St. to Dunedin St. has been approved by Orillia Council committee at a cost of just over 3.5 million dollars.
A majority of council supported the reconstruction project saying to delay if further would only increase the cost and result in other needed road projects being delayed as well.
Ward 2 Councillor Pete Bowen says already a portion of Colborne St. from Front to Andrew has been reconstrcued so its a natural progresion in the improvement of the area to move forward with this latest upgrade.
He says Colborne St. is a major entrance way to not only the downtown but the waterfront as well and from a tourism stand point its very important this project move forward.
Bowen says this council was elected on the platform of improving the downtown and waterfront, and the reconstruction of this road goes a long way to delivering on that promise.
He alsos says there are safety concerns with that old section of the road.
Bowen says during his campain, people told him they did not want any tax hikes but also wanted the infrastructure improved as well, so he says council has a fine balanceing act to do to be able to deliver needed services and fiscal responsibility.
Mayor Angelo Orsi howver was urging restraint and wanted the project delayed at least one year because of fears of the impact it would have on taxes.
The Mayor says he is not against building roads, but he says the issue is we still have enough life left in the road to use it for another few years.
He says he thinks that is the case and another years delay wont hurt the road and wont hurt the people using it.
This whole issue comes back before Council next week for a final vote on whether the project moves forward or is delayed.
